Is alcohol really a problem in (peri)menopause?
A little straight talk on a wonky subject.
Disclaimer: This information is about consumption patterns and the effects in midlife. It is in no way intended to address addiction.
Feet are a great analogy for midlife bodies.
Yes, feet.
When you're in your twenties, you can wear flip-flops made from thin slices of plastic, sky-high heels, and pointy flats. All of which I did and no longer do. Your feet haven't endured decades of use and don't need much support.
Cut to your 30s and beyond, that's no longer true. Now, I buy insoles for my sneakers and have a whole stretching-and-strengthening routine just for my feet.
I don't lament this; I accept that time changes what we need. My priority is the ability to take long walks, not shoe style.
The rest of your body isn't much different. It's not broken; it simply can't withstand the same stressors.
Much like overprocessed foods, alcohol presents an even bigger challenge to wellbeing and weight in midlife.
The issues for me are that it has physical effects that cumulatively hurt feeling well and having energy for daily care. A few are gut inflammation, fatigue, loss of sleep, and it can also trigger a poor mood coupled with anxiety.
Having said that, I like a glass of wine, but I cannot drink the way I used to (cue the high heels). That's ok, when I do, I really enjoy it.
Why Alcohol Becomes a Problem During Menopause
The combination of hormonal changes and aging makes the body less tolerant of alcohol.
- Reduced Tolerance: As women age, they have less body water and muscle mass, causing alcohol to reach higher concentrations in the bloodstream.
- Slower Metabolism: The liver breaks down alcohol less efficiently, meaning it stays in the system longer, leading to stronger, more disruptive effects.
- Hormonal Interference: Alcohol interferes with how the body metabolizes estrogen, which can further destabilize the already shifting hormonal balance.
What to do about it.
I'm a big advocate of slow, deliberate adjustments until you get the result you'd like. To that end, here are some questions we'll be exploring tomorrow.
