Alcohol and Menopause

“Drinking too much alcohol can impact menopause by:
contributing to unwanted weight gain, interfering with sleep
causing changes in your mood which may affect…”.1

Umbrella
What may the Alcohol and Menopause Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Alcohol
  • Booze
  • Drug
  • Grog
  • Liquor
  • Menopause

Alcohol

What is alcohol?

DotS the definition of alcohol may vary. The (United States) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) definition is:

“Ethyl alcohol, or ethanol, is an intoxicating ingredient found in beer, wine, and liquor. Alcohol is produced by the fermentation of yeast, sugars, and starches”.2

Benefits and Risks

Is alcohol good for you or not?

In Alcohol Use: Weighing Risks and Benefits the (United States) Mayo Clinic explain:

“Research on alcohol suggests a sobering conclusion: Drinking alcohol in any amount carries a health risk. While the risk is low for moderate intake, the risk goes up as the amount you drink goes up”.3

Menopause

Ho can drinking too much alcohol impact menopause?

In Looking After Yourself: Alcohol the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (JH) explain:


Alcohol and Menopause“Drinking too much alcohol can impact menopause by:

  • Contributing to unwanted weight gain
  • Interfering with sleep
  • Causing changes in your mood which may affect your relationships
  • Triggering hot flushes and night sweats

In the long term, heavy drinking can also lead to an increased risk for developing some cancers, depression, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and poor bone health”.4

Cancer

Is there an association between alcohol and cancer?

In Alcohol and Cancer: Alcohol and Cancer (United Kingdom) Drinkaware.co.uk note:

“Drinking alcohol has been identified as something that can cause seven types of cancer:

  • Breast cancer
  • Bowel cancer
  • Mouth cancer
  • Food pipe (oesophageal) cancer
  • Upper throat (pharyngeal) cancer
  • Voice box (laryngeal) cancer
  • Liver cancer

Heavy drinking can also cause cirrhosis of the liver (where damage to the liver causes scar tissues to build up) which can then lead to cancer”.5

Breast Cancer

Is there an association between alcohol and breast cancer?

The JH explain:

“Regular alcohol consumption increases a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer. This risk rises with the level of alcohol consumed, so a reduction in alcohol consumption by women who drink alcohol regularly may reduce their breast cancer risk”.6

In Alcohol: What Is High-Risk Drinking? Drinking In Midlife the JH also note:

“Research shows that the consumption of alcohol in women aged 45¬ to 64 years has increased since 2001. This is concerning, as about 75% of breast cancer cases happen in women aged 50 years and over”.7

Alcohol + Smoking

Is there an association between alcohol + smoking and a greater risk of cancer?

In Alcohol and Cancer: Drinking and Smoking Combined Lead To A Greater Risk of Some Cancers Drinkaware.co.uk explain:

“If you drink alcohol and you’re a smoker too, this increases your risk of developing throat, mouth, food pipe and bowel cancers, more than doing either on their own.

People who use both alcohol and tobacco have a five-fold increased risk of developing cancers of the mouth, throat, voice box and food pipe compared to people who use either alcohol or tobacco alone. For heavy users, the risk is up to 30 times higher”.8

Osteoporosis

Is there an association between alcohol and osteoporosis?

In Osteoporosis: Symptoms & Causes – Risk Factors: Lifestyle Choices the Mayo Clinic elaborate on:

“Excessive alcohol consumption. Regular consumption of more than two alcoholic drinks a day increases the risk of osteoporosis”.9

Women and Alcohol

If women choose to drink alcohol, what does moderate drinking mean?

DotS and/or DotC (Depending on the Country) this may vary. For the United States in Alcohol and Public Health: Frequently Asked Questions – Drinking Patterns: What Does Moderate Drinking Mean? the CDC explain:

“According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, adults of legal drinking age can choose not to drink, or to drink in moderation by limiting intake to 2 drinks or less in a day for men and 1 drink or less in a day for women, when alcohol is consumed. Drinking less is better for health than drinking more”.10

For the United Kingdom in UK Low Risk Drinking Guidelines: Weekly Guidelines the Drinkaware.co.uk elaborate on:

“The Chief Medical Officers’ guideline for both men and women are:

  • To keep health risks from alcohol to a low level it’s safest not to drink more than 14 units a week on a regular basis
  • If you regularly drink as much as 14 units per week, it’s best to spread your drinking over three or more days. If you have one or two heavy drinking episodes a week, you increase your risk of death from long-term illness and from accidents and injuries
  • The risk of developing a range of health problems (including cancers of the mouth, throat and breast) increases the more you drink on a regular basis
  • If you wish to cut down the amount you drink, a good way to help achieve this is to have several drink-free days every week”.11

High-Risk Drinking

What are the health effects of high-risk drinking?

According to the JH:

“High-risk drinking can have short-term and long-term effects on your health. Short-term effects can include poor sleep, headaches, dehydration and changes in mood. Long-term effects can include alcohol dependence, depression, weight gain and increased risk of some cancers (e.g. breast cancer)”.12

Health Care Provider

What if I would like to drink, drink less or stop drinking?

If you would like to drink,  drink less or stop drinking, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this.

In Alcohol: Weighing Risks and Potential Benefit – Deciding About Drinking the Mayo Clinic note:

“Drinking moderately if you’re otherwise healthy may be a risk you’re willing to take. But heavy drinking carries a much higher risk even for those without other health concerns. Be sure to ask your healthcare professional about what’s right for your health and safety”.13

The JH explain:

“If you or someone you know needs alcohol support, talk to your doctor. They will give you information and may recommend counselling, treatment and support programs”.14

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Alcohol and Menopause?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Alcohol and Menopause?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

New or Updated

  1. A.A. Around the World [Alcoholics Anonymous]
  2. About Alcohol Awareness Week [July, United Kingdom]
  3. Al-Anon Family Groups
  4. Alcohol
  5. Alcohol
  6. Alcohol Calorie Calculator
  7. Alcohol Misuse
  8. Alcohol Raises Heart Disease Risk, Particularly Among Women
  9. Alcohol Spending Calculator
  10. Alcohol Units
  11. Alcohol Use Disorder
  12. Alcohol Use and Your Health
  13. Alcohol Use: Weighing Risks and Benefits
  14. Alcohol and Breast Cancer
  15. Alcohol and Calories
  16. Alcohol and Cancer
  17. Alcohol and Cancer
  18. Alcohol and Diabetes
  19. Alcohol and Diabetes
  20. Alcohol and Fitness
  21. Alcohol and Heart Disease
  22. Alcohol and Menopause: A Balancing Act
  23. Alcohol and Menopause: What Are the Risks? [+ Video]
  24. Alcohol and Mental Health
  25. Alcohol and Sex
  26. Alcohol and Stress [+ Video: Dr Sarah Jarvis Discusses How Alcohol Can Affect Mental Health]
  27. Alcohol and Women
  28. Alcohol and Your Body
  29. Alcohol and the Heart
  30. Alcohol and the Liver
  31. Alcohol, Calories and Maintaining A Healthy Weight
  32. Alcohol-Free Drinks
  33. Alcoholchange.org.uk [Alcohol Change UK]
  34. Alcoholic Drinks and Units
  35. Alcohol’s Health Effects: What You Need To Know
  36. Anxiety and Alcohol: Does Drinking Worsen Symptoms?
  37. Are You Addicted To Alcohol?
  38. Are You Drinking Too Much?
  39. Can I Drink Alcohol If I’m Taking Painkillers?
  40. Cocktail Content Calculator
  41. Does Alcohol Make You Argue With Your Partner?
  42. Drink Alcohol Only In Moderation
  43. Drink Less, Be Your Best
  44. Drink-Refusal Skills: How To Say No To An Alcoholic Drink
  45. Drinkaware.co.uk [Drinkaware, United Kingdom]
  46. Drinkwise.org.au [DrinkWise, Australia]
  47. Dry January
  48. Emotional Wellness In Menopause
  49. Excessive Alcohol Use Is A Risk To Women’s Health
  50. Fact Sheets
  51. Facts About Alcohol
  52. Framingham Heart Study
  53. Hellosundaymorning.org [Hello Sunday Morning]
  54. How Alcohol Affects Relationships
  55. How Alcohol Affects Your Appearance
  56. How Alcohol Affects Your Body
  57. How Alcohol Affects Your Brain | Akhil Anand, MD [Video]
  58. How Alcohol Affects Your Heart
  59. How Is Your Drinking Affecting You?
  60. How Long Does Alcohol Stay In Your System?
  61. How Long Does It Take Your Liver to Detox From Alcohol?
  62. How To Cut Down on Alcohol At Home
  63. How To Reduce Your Drinking
  64. How To Start Drinking Less
  65. Is A.A. for You? [Alcoholics Anonymous]
  66. Is Alcohol Affecting Your Sex Life?
  67. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Menopause and Your Mental Wellbeing [+ Video: Menopause Only Affects You Physically!]
  68. Limit Alcohol Consumption
  69. Low Alcohol Drinks
  70. Mastering Midlife Mood Changes With Marlene Freeman, MD
  71. Mayo Clinic Minute: Why Alcohol and Menopause Can Be A Dangerous Mix [+ Video]
  72. Menopause
  73. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Symptom Tracker
  74. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 5. Lifestyle Advice In Menopause & Perimenopause
  75. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Lifestyle Tips for Menopause Wellness
  76. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit: A Woman’s Empowerment Guide
  77. Menopause: Ensuring A Tranquil Transition
  78. Menopause: Things You Can Do
  79. Menopause: Understanding the Changes and Finding Relief | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 256
  80. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism [United States]
  81. Perimenopause and Menopause Symptom Checklist
  82. Rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov [Rethinking Drinking]
  83. Samhsa.gov [Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, United States]
  84. Supporting A Loved One Through Menopause
  85. The High Cost of Alcohol To Your Health
  86. The Risks of Drinking Too Much
  87. Tips To Help Manage Menopause Symptoms
  88. Tips for Cutting Down
  89. Tips on Cutting Down
  90. Unit & Calorie Calculator
  91. Video Series-2023: Lifestyle Modification and Prevention of Breast Cancer
  92. Video Series-2023: NAMS 2023 Nonhormone Therapies Position Statement for Bothersome Menopause Symptoms
  93. Video Series-2023: New FDA-Approved Nonhormone Option for the Treatment of Hot Flashes
  94. Video Series-2024: Preparing for Your Menopause Health Care Visit
  95. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: How To Protect Your Brain Health At Menopause and Beyond
  96. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: A Simple Approach To Menopause: The Menopause Quick Six (www.MQ6.ca)
  97. What Does Alcohol Do To Your Body? 9 Ways Alcohol Affects Your Health
  98. What Everyone Should Know About Menopause Symptoms
  99. What Is An Alcohol Unit?
  100. What Is Menopause? [+ Video]

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Looking After Yourself: Alcohol. Last Updated: 19 January 2024 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/looking-after-yourself#alcohol Accessed: 17 March 2024
  2. Alcohol and Public Health: Frequently Asked Questions – About Alcohol: What Is Alcohol? Last Reviewed: 19 April 2022. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/faqs.htm#top Accessed: 17 March 2024
  3. Alcohol Use: Weighing Risks and Benefits. 20 January 2024. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/alcohol/art-20044551 Accessed: 17 March 2024
  4. Looking After Yourself: Alcohol. Last Updated: 19 January 2024 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/looking-after-yourself#alcohol Accessed: 17 March 2024
  5. Alcohol and Cancer: Alcohol and Cancer. Last Reviewed: 27 January 2022. Drinkaware.co.uk https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/check-the-facts/health-effects-of-alcohol/effects-on-the-body/alcohol-and-cancer Accessed: 17 March 2024
  6. Alcohol: What Is High-Risk Drinking? Health Effects of High-Risk Drinking. Last Updated: 12 February 2024 | Last Reviewed: 23 January 2024. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/healthy-living/alcohol Accessed: 17 March 2024
  7. Alcohol: What Is High-Risk Drinking? Drinking In Midlife. Last Updated: 12 February 2024 | Last Reviewed: 23 January 2024. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/healthy-living/alcohol Accessed: 17 March 2024
  8. Alcohol and Cancer: Drinking and Smoking Combined Lead To A Greater Risk of Some Cancers. Last Reviewed: 27 January 2022. Drinkaware.co.uk https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/check-the-facts/health-effects-of-alcohol/effects-on-the-body/alcohol-and-cancer Accessed: 17 March 2024
  9. Osteoporosis: Symptoms & Causes – Risk Factors: Lifestyle Choices. 24 February 2024. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoporosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351968 Accessed: 17 March 2024
  10. Alcohol and Public Health: Frequently Asked Questions – Drinking Patterns: What Does Moderate Drinking Mean? Last Reviewed: 19 April 2022. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/faqs.htm#top Accessed: 17 March 2024
  11. UK Low Risk Drinking Guidelines: Weekly Guidelines. Last Reviewed: 30 June 2022. Drinkaware.co.uk https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/facts/information-about-alcohol/alcohol-and-the-facts/low-risk-drinking-guidelines Accessed: 17 March 2024
  12. Alcohol: What Is High Risk Drinking? Health Effects of High-Risk Drinking. Last Updated: 12 February 2024 | Last Reviewed: 23 January 2024. Jean Hailes https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/healthy-living/alcohol Accessed: 17 March 2024
  13. Alcohol: Weighing Risks and Potential Benefits – Deciding About Drinking. 20 January 2024. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/alcohol/art-20044551 Accessed: 17 March 2024
  14. Alcohol: Where To Get Help. Last Updated: 12 February 2024 | Last Reviewed: 23 January 2024. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/healthy-living/alcohol Accessed: 17 March 2024
Topic Last Updated: 11 April 2024 – Topic Last Reviewed: 17 March 2024

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