Blog To Sip or Not to Sip: Navigating Alcohol During Perimenopause

Let’s chat about something that’s a big deal for many of us going through perimenopause: alcohol. This isn’t just about the occasional glass of wine; it’s about understanding how our bodies are changing and how alcohol fits into this new puzzle.

Understanding the Change

Imagine a lovely evening out with friends, enjoying a good wine. Sounds great, right? But often, the next day feels less than great. This is a common story for many of us entering perimenopause. Women in their mid-forties may start to notice their bodies don’t handle alcohol like they used to. There’s the heightened PMS, the unexpected mood swings, and that nagging sense of confusion. It’s all part of the rollercoaster of hormones that come with perimenopause.

So What’s Going On?

During perimenopause, a sneaky thing called ‘estrogen dominance’ can happen. This is where estrogen levels become unbalanced against progesterone levels. Estrogen dominance is specifically an issue in perimenopause as progesterone levels are declining. This means your estrogen levels can end up too high in comparison to your declining reserve of progesterone and can lead to all sorts of uncomfortable stuff like weight gain, mood changes, and even memory issues.

Rethinking Drinking

So, what does this have to do with our favourite drinks? Well, a lot. You might not drink much, but even a little can make a big difference during perimenopause. Cutting back or quitting can bring a surprising number of benefits. We’re talking about feeling more like your old self – sharper, more energetic, and possibly even a bit slimmer.

Cheers to Your Liver

Now, let’s talk about our unsung hero: the liver. This powerhouse organ works overtime during perimenopause but, as we age, it doesn’t quite have the same pep. Alcohol can throw it out of kilter, making it harder for your liver to do important stuff like balancing your blood sugar and getting rid of excess estrogen.

A Growing Concern: Alcohol, Sleep, and Cancer Risk

There’s a worrying trend that’s worth talking about: the increasing struggle with alcohol among women during perimenopause. It’s not just about a change in habits; hormones play a big role here. As our bodies go through these hormonal shifts, the way we metabolise alcohol changes, leading to a heightened risk of alcohol-related issues.

But that’s not all. Many of us grappling with perimenopause find that sleep becomes elusive. If you think a glass of wine before bed will help, think again. While alcohol might seem like a shortcut to dreamland, it actually disrupts the quality of our sleep. We might fall asleep faster, but the rest we get isn’t as restorative as we need it to be.

And here’s a sobering fact: drinking during perimenopause can significantly increase your risk of cancer. This risk is particularly notable because alcohol is known to increase estrogen levels in the body. High estrogen isn’t just about mood swings or weight gain; it’s closely linked to an increased risk of certain cancers. This makes understanding and managing our alcohol intake during this time even more critical.

The Liver’s Comeback

This may seem like doom and gloom, but there is good news! Our liver is a bit of a superhero. It can regenerate itself, which means making a change now can have real benefits. Cutting back on alcohol can give your liver a much-needed break and a chance to heal.

Embracing a New You

Deciding to reduce or quit alcohol is brave and can open the door to a healthier, more vibrant you. It’s about taking control and making choices that help you feel your best during this time of change.

So, to sip or not to sip? That’s a personal choice, but knowing how alcohol interacts with your changing body can help you make informed decisions.

For more about the subject, together with a host of topics from trying acupuncture to finding marital harmony during the menopausal years, take a look at “The Aargh to Zen of Perimenopause” a collection of insights from a wonderful group of experts.