Right around 50, as Menopause approached, I began to experience an issue women in Perimenopause may face: increased sensitivity to alcohol. 

It was crazy; I started breaking out in hives and getting flushed when drinking my favorite chardonnay. I talked to a friend who said the same was happening to her, and she suggested I speak to my Doctor about it. So on my next checkup, I asked my OB, and he confirmed that as you get older, some women can not drink certain wines. As he could not wholly explain why, he said certain wines had some chemicals that your body reacts to as you age. He suggested drinking Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand or Melbourne; he had heard that those wines did not have the effects as others. So I took his advice, and sure enough, it worked. But Why does this happen?

In this blog, I will explore why this happens and what women can do to mitigate the adverse effects of drinking during this time. 

As menopause approaches, many women begin to experience changes in their bodies and overall health. Alcohol consumption can exacerbate some of these changes. For example, alcohol can trigger hot flashes and night sweats in women already experiencing them. Additionally, alcohol is a depressant that can worsen mood swings and anxiety. It can also impact sleep quality, leading to other mood and energy fluctuations. Moreover, the liver's ability to metabolize alcohol often declines as women age, especially during their Perimenopause, leading to higher blood alcohol levels.

But why my chardonnay?

Is there something specific about it? During Perimenopause, the changes in your body can cause sensitivities to alcohol, although not a true allergy; in some cases, what seems to be alcohol intolerance might be a reaction to something in the wine, such as chemicals, grains, or preservatives.

Some symptoms of Alcohol sensitivity to wine;

• Facial redness (flushing)

• Red, Itchy Skin bumps (hives)

• Worsening of pre-existing Asmas

• Runny or stuffy nose

• Low Blood pressure

• Stomach issues

Some other factors as we age, our body doesn't break down alcohol as well, causing sensitivity. As a result, older women tend to get drunk quicker than younger women because their alcohol tolerance decreases. This decrease is due to a couple of natural changes the body goes through.

• Higher Body Fat Percentage. As you age, you lose muscle and water and gain body fat—a higher blood alcohol level when you drink results from this change in your body composition.

• Changes in Liver Health. Liver functionality declines with age. The liver cannot break down alcohol as fast as it could when you were younger.

During Perimenopause, women can take steps to minimize the adverse effects of alcohol.

Timing is essential, so paying attention to when symptoms are worse can help limit alcohol intake. Experimenting with different alcoholic beverages can also be beneficial, as some women may have a better tolerance for wine or beer. For example, I've started drinking Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand and switched to clear alcohols without added sugars. Prosecco from Italy is another option I enjoy. To improve my health and exercise routines, I limit my alcohol consumption during the week, which also helps reduce brain fog.

Perimenopause can be challenging for many women and dietary and health choices can significantly impact how they experience menopausal symptoms. However, by being mindful of alcohol consumption and practicing healthy lifestyle habits, women can navigate Perimenopause gracefully and come through the other side feeling healthy and empowered.

Remember, You are your best advocate!

If you want to chat more about my experience with Alcohol sensitivity or any of my other blogs, sign up for a free 30-minute chat! I'm always happy to share my tips and insights with others.

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All opinions are always 100% honest and my own and are based on what I have been through in my 50s with Perimenopause and Menopause and Cancer. I am not an expert or claim to be one. Just a participant in Menopause.

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