Can drinking alcohol make your menopause symptoms worsen?
Experts have long warned against alcohol, even topical glass. But if you are going through menopause and still prefer to indulge, it may be time to reconsider it.
After a long, tired day, a glass of Kabernet Sovenan is the best way, and most of you will agree (especially women out there). But if you are navigating menopause, experts have warned that alcohol may be harming you better.
We know that experts have warned us against the consumption of alcohol, even a glass. But for those who still prefer to indulge, if you are someone in the middle of menopause, you may want to reconsider your alcohol consumption.
Alcohol symptoms may worsen
Last month, during an episode of his The Gup Podcast, Gwneth Paltro openly stated that the consumption of alcohol increased in January 2025 amidst the wildfire of Los Angeles.
Usually a light drinker, Paltro found himself drinking at night during the stressful period, accepting, “I was giving medicine.”

Paltro also opened about serious anxiety and insomnia experience during this period, describing nights, where she stays awake for hours, is overwhelmed by eager thoughts, opposite her normal sleep pattern.
So do drinking alcohol worsen the symptoms of menopause like Oscar winning actress? well yes.
Research suggests that while many women can use alcohol as avoiding symptoms of menopause, this is not really the best thing.
“Alcohol, breast cancer, breast cancer, osteoporosis, and even colorectal cancer can increase the risk of a woman for serious health issues,” Dr. Sarda M, Consultant obstinian and gynecologist, say in Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad.
It turns out, it is not only about immediate effects, such as feeling flush or tipsy. Physically, alcohol Dilutes blood vessels And ramps the blood flow, essentially those dreaded warm brightness and sweating at night that already affects about 80% of menopause women. Also Disrupts sleep patternsIt became difficult to sleep and feel more tired the next day.
Above her, it gets messed up with alcohol Liver’s capacity to regulate estrogen levels“This hormonal imbalance can spoil the symptoms of mood swings, anxiety and even depression,” Dr. Sarda says. Therefore, while that glass may look like a temporary mood-lifter when you are undergoing a serious menopause-induced mood swing, in the long run, it can make your emotional disturbance even more difficult to manage.
And it does not stop there. Alcohol also intervenes Calcium absorption, Bad news for bone health when the risk of osteoporosis is already climbing. Add the calorie load of most alcoholic beverages, and you have found an additional obstruction in the management of menopause -related weight gain, which many women already struggle due to metabolic changes.
Senior Advisor in Obstetrics, Gynecology and Robotic Surgery at Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai. Himoni Sharma agrees. “Alcohol hormone regulation can increase symptoms such as warm glow, night sweat and mood by disrupting estrogen,” she says. “It also increases the level of cortisol, which contributes to stress and poor sleep.”
Should you leave it completely?
Experts have repeated from time to time how a glass of alcohol is harmful to you. However, if you are still captivating, you should limit consumption to at least one glass and not more.
“Women should consider limited or avoiding alcohol during menopause,” Dr. They emphasize Sarda. “To reduce the risk of long -term health issues such as heart disease, osteoporosis and some cancer not only to control symptoms.”
Dr. Sharma resonates the spirit: “Limiting alcohol can help maintain better hormonal balance and overall well -being during this transitional phase.” She says that it is always best to consult with a healthcare provider for tailor advice for personal health requirements.
Other lifestyle changes that can help during menopause:
- Exercise regularly
- Start eating healthy. Your diet should include frequent indulgence and try to avoid junk.
- Spend time with friends and family
- Stress -reducing activities, such as attention and deep breathing
- Take a lot of sleep