Alcohol & Menopause
No. 4 on our journey through the 6 pillars of lifestyle medicine
“I used to love a glass of wine. Now it completely plays havoc with my sleep. Even one glass, and I can wake up in the night boiling hot and I feel so awful the next day”
In this resource, we’re talking about Alcohol
This is such a common experience of women during the menopause.
Many women notice that their tolerance for alcohol changes around menopause. Even small amounts can worsen sleep, hot flushes, night sweats, anxiety and low mood.
When we look at how changes to our lifestyle can improve menopause symptoms, changing our relationship with alcohol can be one of the most impactful places to start.
Reducing or minimising alcohol will not only improve most women’s menopausal symptoms, but will also help reduce the risk of many other health conditions.
Alcohol increases the risk of breast cancer, raises blood pressure, and can make weight management much harder.
What might help you?
Get curious!
How do you feel after drinking alcohol?
How is your energy, your sleep, your mood, your skin or other symptoms?
Many women feel so much better with less.
Avoid using alcohol to manage any symptoms of the menopause, such as anxiety, aches and pains, low mood or sleep disturbances - it will often make all these symptoms worse.
Try and limit alcohol consumption to social occasions with friends or family.
If you do drink alcohol, try and stay well hydrated, drinking plenty of water.
If you enjoy alcohol, and wonder how you could reduce, try experimenting with one of the many alcohol-free alternatives.
It is often easier to make changes with a friend or family member.
Consider trying a period of time without alcohol.
How do you feel now?
If you would like to reduce how much alcohol you are drinking, but are struggling to do this, please do reach out for support from your GP surgery.