Can drinking alcohol worsen your menopause symptoms?

India Today

29-04-2025

After a long, tiring day, a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon is the best way to unwind, and most of you will agree (especially the women out there). But if you're navigating menopause, experts warn that alcohol might be doing you more harm than good.We are aware that experts have warned us against the consumption of alcohol, even a glass. But for those who still like to indulge, if you are someone in the midst of menopause, you might want to rethink your alcohol consumption.Alcohol can worsen symptomsadvertisementDuring an episode of her The Goop Podcast last month, Gwyneth Paltrow opened up about how increased alcohol consumption amid the January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires exacerbated her menopause symptoms.
Typically a light drinker, Paltrow found herself drinking nightly during the stressful period, admitting, "I was medicating."
Gwyneth Paltrow. (Photo: Instagram)
Paltrow also opened up about experiencing severe anxiety and insomnia during this time, describing nights where she would lie awake for hours, overwhelmed by anxious thoughts, a stark contrast to her usual sleep patterns.So, does drinking alcohol worsen menopause symptoms like the Oscar-winning actress claims? Well, yes.Research shows that while many women may use alcohol as an escape from the symptoms of menopause, it is actually not the best thing to do.advertisement'Alcohol can significantly worsen menopause symptoms and increase a woman's risk for serious health issues like heart disease, breast cancer, osteoporosis, and even colorectal cancer,' says Dr Sarada M, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad.Turns out, it's not just about the immediate effects, like feeling flushed or tipsy. Physiologically, alcohol dilates blood vessels and ramps up blood flow, essentially fast-tracking those dreaded hot flashes and night sweats that already affect nearly 80% of menopausal women. It also disrupts sleep patterns, making it harder to stay asleep and leaving you feeling more exhausted the next day.On top of that, alcohol messes with the liver's ability to regulate estrogen levels. "This hormonal imbalance can worsen mood swings, anxiety, and even depressive symptoms,' adds Dr. Sarada. So, while that glass might seem like a temporary mood-lifter when you are going through a severe menopause-induced mood swing, in the long run, it can make your emotional turbulence even harder to manage.And it doesn't stop there. Alcohol also interferes with calcium absorption, bad news for bone health at a time when osteoporosis risk is already climbing. Add to this the calorie load of most alcoholic beverages, and you've got an additional hurdle in managing menopause-related weight gain, which many women already struggle with due to metabolic changes.advertisementDr. Himani Sharma, senior consultant in obstetrics, gynaecology and robotic surgery at Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai, agrees. 'Alcohol can exacerbate symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings by disrupting hormone regulation, particularly estrogen," she says. "It also increases cortisol levels, which contributes to stress and poor sleep."Should you give it up altogether?Experts have reiterated time and again how even a glass of alcohol is harmful for you. However, if you are still tempted, you should limit consumption to at least a glass and not more.'Women should consider limiting or avoiding alcohol during menopause,' stresses Dr. Sarada. "Not just to control symptoms, but to lower the risk of long-term health issues like heart disease, osteoporosis, and certain cancers.'Dr. Sharma echoes the sentiment: 'Limiting alcohol can help maintain better hormonal balance and overall well-being during this transitional phase.' She adds that it's always best to consult with a healthcare provider to tailor advice to individual health needs.Other lifestyle changes that can help during menopause:advertisementExercise regularlyStart eating healthy. Your diet should include frequent indulgences and try to avoid junk.Spend time with friends and familyStress-reducing activities, such as meditation and deep breathingGetting sufficient sleep