Author: John Carter

Alcohol and Menopause: Can You Drink, Effect on Symptoms & More

What might be a short inconvenience for one person could be intense heat for another. People experiencing mild night sweats from occasional alcohol consumption may find relief using home remedies. With alcohol intake, the blood vessels in the skin tend to widen when the heart rate speeds up. People may sweat more after drinking due to the reasons below.

Sometimes, a product might seem safe on the surface, but it might not be a good option for you when you factor in other medications you take or other medical conditions you might have. Your provider will discuss each of these factors with you and make sure it’s a safe product for you. It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about any treatment option and discuss the pros and cons.

1. Home remedies can usually help manage alcohol-induced night sweats.
2. Some people might not really notice hot flashes, while others may have hot flashes that disrupt normal daily life.
3. This type of obesity is a big factor in the development of heart disease.
4. Even in women without depression, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to alcohol use disorder.
5. Making small changes to your normal lifestyle can sometimes help limit the number and severity of your hot flashes.
6. People who drink heavily or regularly may have night sweats several hours or days after consuming alcohol.

Hot flashes are a common symptom of menopause that often feels like a sudden flare of heat, paired with sweating and flushed skin. Hot flashes typically start with menopause and can end when you’re post-menopausal or last the rest of your life. Treatment options can include prescription medications, non-hormonal therapies and lifestyle changes. Night sweats may also result from alcohol withdrawal or alcohol intolerance. For people who already experience night sweats, including those going through menopause, consuming alcohol can worsen the sweating. Alcohol affects every system in your body, including the central nervous system.

Sweating After Drinking

Mood swings, depression, anxiety and fears are all possible symptoms you might experience throughout menopause. Menopause is a time of extreme change and transition for your body. If you feel overwhelmed by any of these symptoms at any point, reach out to your healthcare provider.

Menopause is the time in a woman’s life when her period stops completely. As the female body ages, it gradually produces smaller amounts of reproductive hormones such as estrogen. In general, soybeans, chickpeas and lentils are considered to have the most powerful plant estrogens. Keep in mind though, the effects of these foods won’t be as strong as human estrogen. Hot flashes not only feel different for each person, they can also last for different amounts of time and vary in severity.

Drinking alcohol can cause some people to feel hot and may lead to night sweats. This occurs when alcohol affects the nervous system and how the body regulates and senses body temperature, blood pressure, and heart activity. Not only does heavy drinking increase the risk of osteoporosis, but it can also increase a woman’s risk for falling and fractures. The bone loss can’t be reversed, and severe fractures may require surgery.

Mayo Clinic Minute: Why alcohol and menopause can be a dangerous mix

A person should speak with a doctor if these symptoms do not improve. Without diagnosis and treatment, it could lead to liver complications. Home remedies can usually help manage alcohol-induced night sweats. Such home remedies may include staying hydrated and keeping the bedroom at a comfortable temperature.

Just like many other aspects of hot flashes, the length of time they last can vary from person to person. You might only experience hot flashes for a little while during menopause, but not the entire time. Hot flashes that last a long period of time often become less severe as time goes on. Other factors, such as menopause or medication use, commonly cause hot flashes and night sweats. Even if alcohol doesn’t directly trigger your hot flashes, any resulting post-drink agitation might. “High emotion can trigger hot flashes and night sweats,” Dr. Marin says.

How do I cope with mood swings, fears and depression?

That said, how much you sweat, or the intensity of the episode often depends on the amount of alcohol you consumed. According to a 2002 review of studies, the risk of breast cancer is 1.46 times greater for women who drink 45 grams of alcohol per day. Drinking alcohol increases the risk of disturbed sleep, according to research.

This risk exists even for women who have just one serving of alcohol per day. Alcohol-related liver disease also does not usually cause symptoms until the liver is severely damaged. A person should seek immediate medical attention if they experience these symptoms. People may not realize that because of this, they are at risk of hypothermia in cold weather. During hot weather, they may begin to experience nausea and dizziness with dehydration in addition to sweating. It is best that people with alcohol dependency or intolerance speak with a doctor.

How do I treat a hot flash?

Even small amounts of alcohol can interfere with certain medications. It’s important to talk to your doctor about the medications you take if you plan on drinking. Even in women without depression, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to alcohol use disorder.

A person may not experience any symptoms or signs of liver damage or scarring, which people call cirrhosis, until the liver is badly damaged. Those who believe they have AUD or alcohol intolerance may wish to speak with their doctor. Night sweating may also indicate certain types of cancers, which a person can discuss with their oncologist. Sometimes, a person may appear to have alcohol intolerance but react to another ingredient in a drink.

Duration of symptoms can vary depending on the amount of alcohol a person has consumed, the rate at which their body processes alcohol, and their overall health. People experiencing alcohol withdrawal relating to alcohol dependency should consider seeking urgent medical attention. A doctor can provide information and guidance on how to avoid alcohol. One of the most common symptoms of alcohol intolerance is facial flushing, which can also cause excessive sweating. But there are many things we do know about alcohol use that can, along with personal observation, provide a useful roadmap for navigating drinking and vasomotor symptoms.

People who experience night sweats regularly after drinking may have an issue with alcohol. There are many risks of long-term alcohol use, including cancer and liver damage. For this reason, experts recommend seeking help if a person experiences persistent night sweats related to alcohol consumption. Many people experience a wide variety of symptoms during menopause, not just hot flashes.