I’m not here to tell you to stop drinking, or also that it’s fine to drink during menopause.
Choosing to drink alcohol or not is a complex issue that often triggers strong responses from people. It’s not black or white when you look at the health data.
We do know that women suffer more health issues at a lower level of alcohol intake than men and this is just due to our different physiology.
All I’m going to do this week is give you some information from current research about the benefits and risks of drinking alcohol during peri and menopause, and let you make up your own mind.
First the pros:
low to moderate alcohol intake (up to 1 standard drink per day) can reduce the risk of some health issues, including high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke.
in one study, some women with low to moderate alcohol intake were found to be more socially happy with better mental health.
The proviso with this research was that the alcohol intake was less than or up to only one drink per day.
Then the cons:
alcohol can increase hot flushes, mood, sleep and sexual problems in women during menopause.
it reduces bone density
it can contribute to poor brain health with aging
it increases your risk of breast cancer
You might be thinking that the two lists above contradict each other in some ways, and you’d be right.
Like I said, it’s not black and white - each person is an individual, with different susceptibilities and health or family history risk factors. This all needs to be taken into account when you are deciding whether or not you choose to drink.
All the research does point to significant risk of harm and increased mortality (risk of death) with moderate to heavy alcohol consumption (=more than 1 standard drink of alcohol per day).
TIP: In case you, like me, have decided on balance that alcohol is not something you want or need in your life, or if you’re trying to cut down, here’s one of my favourite non alcoholic drink recipes for when you feel like a “special drink”!
Bevan Smith from Riverstone Kitchen in Oamaru has a great recipe for the rhubarb cordial if you prefer to make your own or have a glut of rhubarb in your garden.
Rhubarb Soda:
Fill a tall glass with ice. Pour 60ml of rhubarb cordial in and fill with sparkling mineral water. Garnish with a slice of lemon and sprig of mint.
Enjoy!!
How I can help:
If you’re wanting more personalised assessment and support regarding peri or menopause, in a relaxed and non judgmental environment, email me on [email protected]
Alexandra small group menopause workshop:
If you’re wanting more information about how to navigate peri or menopause in a fun, supportive environment with 4 local health professionals, join us for an afternoon of insights and practical takeaways (not to mention a complimentary afternoon tea!) on Saturday afternoon 11th October (1.30-4pm).
There’ll be opportunities for you to ask the questions you need answers to around menopause, MHT, pelvic health, bone health, physical activity, nutrition and more.
The link for more information about the speakers and tickets is here:
Stay happy and healthy!
Erika.
PS: “Fear of dying is human. Fear of aging is cultural.” ― Ashton Applewhite, author
