Many women, regardless of age, enjoy unwinding after work with a glass of wine or a cocktail—it’s a moment to relax and connect. But if you’re navigating mild hormonal imbalances or aiming to prioritize your health, is it time to swap that classic cocktail for a refreshing mocktail instead?
The official recommendation from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans is for women to drink no more than one drink a day. Never drink four or more drinks in the span of a few hours, as this is considered binge drinking. One drink is 12 fluid ounces of beer, 5 fluid ounces of wine, or a mixed drink with 1.5 fluid ounces liquor with 40% alcohol.
BUT if you have underlying hormonal problems even one drink a week might have negative impacts on your health.
Research regarding Alcohol’s effects on women’s health has shown:
- Women who drink Alcohol who drink Alcohol have shown to have elevated estrogen levels especially in Luteal phase which can contribute to breast tenderness, heavier periods, and more menstrual cramping.
- Regular intake of Alcohol may contribute to development of endometriosis and worsen the associated symptoms. Elevated estrogen level enhances endometrial growth and progression outside the uterus. Endometriosis often involves chronic chronic inflammation,, and alcohol can contribute to this process. Alcohol may increase insulin resistance, causing the pancreas to produce more insulin than normal, which can lead to worsening inflammation. This inflammatory response might contribute to the overall inflammation associated with endometriosis, impacting its development.
- Alcohol exposure increases Estrogen level and can elevate inflammatory markers such as Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and growth factors such as IGF-1 and TGF-ß, which in turn can contribute to fibroid formation and growth.
- Excessive alcohol drinking contributes to weight gain, Alcohol is an additional source of energy without much nutritional values. Research has shown drinking Alcohol has shown drinking alcohol before and during meals does not reduce the amount of food intake, alcohol also has little effect on Satiety.
- Research has shown Heavy Alcohol consumption has shown Heavy alcohol consumption and binge drinking contribute to insulin resistance.
- Research by Sarokla et al (2000), shows intake of 0-4 alcohol beverages/day in women can increase total testosterone and free testosterone levels in women, these effects were more pronounced in women were on oral contraceptive.
- Considering the effects of Alcohol on Insulin and testosterone levels, it can be concluded alcohol negatively impact polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), causing anovulation and infertility.
- Research has shown women with PCOS has shown women with PCOS have higher incidence of Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) due to contributing factors such as obesity and insulin resistance. Even small alcohol intake in women with PCOS contributes to fatty liver disease.
- Chronic alcohol intake causes a deficiency in vitamin B6, thiamine, and vitamin A, Zinc, and selenium, which are important for ovarian function.
- Alcohol can increase Alcohol can increase Anxiety.. Initially alcohol has a sedative effect increases gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) activity, which typically has calming effects, as body metabolizes alcohol, it reduces GABA and there is an increase in glutamate (excitatory neurotransmitter) leading to feeling of anxiety and restlessness.
- Alcohol also has a negative impact in sleep. It disrupts the sleep cycle, reducing the restorative REM sleep and frequent awakenings throughout the night.
- Alcohol causes dehydration, it is also a vasodilator (dilates blood vessels and increases blood flow to the brain), which contribute to developing headaches.
- Moderate to heavy drinking can increase the intensity and frequency of hot flashes and night sweats. Alcohol use in general can cause the body temperature to rise. This can trigger hot flashes as the blood vessels beneath the skin dilate to release heat. While not all women will experience this effect from alcohol, many women notice an increase in hot flashes with alcohol consumption.
Welcome to Yarrow Holistic Center Serving West Lafayette and the surrounding Indiana communities, we specialize in Functional Nutrition, Herbal Medicine, and Acupuncture to support your journey toward vibrant health. Whether you’re seeking a more balanced lifestyle or struggling with hormonal imbalances, we are here to guide and empower you every step of the way.
