Navigating Perimenopause and Alcohol: A Candid Exploration
A few years ago I began to notice something new. I would go out, have a few drinks with friends, and then suddenly the day or two after I would notice a huge slump in my mood. Well…actually my husband began to notice this. We’d get in more fights. I’d be more unreasonable. Just generally not a fun person to be around after having even a drink or two. Perimenopause is a transformative journey, and one aspect often overlooked is its intricate dance with our relationship with alcohol. It’s something I had to be really honest with myself about and make some hard choices around.
In this blog, we'll delve into how perimenopause reshapes our relationship with alcohol, exploring its impact on our bodies, moods, and the nuanced considerations that come with aging gracefully.
The Hormonal Tango
As hormonal fluctuations become the norm in perimenopause, the once-easygoing relationship with alcohol may take an unexpected turn. Estrogen and progesterone play a crucial role in how our bodies process alcohol, and their dance during perimenopause can influence tolerance, making those glasses of wine feel different than before. Long days of wine tasting are long gone for me. One winery or even one or two glasses can feel like so much more than it used to.
Mood Swings and Libations:
Perimenopause brings its fair share of mood swings and emotional rollercoasters. The seductive call of alcohol as a stress-reliever or mood-enhancer might be stronger during these times, yet it's essential to understand the potential pitfalls. Alcohol, a known depressant, can exacerbate mood swings and anxiety, making it a delicate dance between seeking relief and unintentionally heightening emotional turbulence.
The Metabolic Maze:
Metabolism undergoes its own evolution in perimenopause, slowing down as we age. Suddenly, that glass of wine that once seemed harmless can impact our bodies differently. Understanding the metabolic shifts is crucial in making informed choices about alcohol consumption, considering factors like weight management and overall well-being.
Bone Health and Beyond:
Beyond the immediate mood and metabolic effects, perimenopause nudges us to consider the long-term impact on our health. Alcohol, particularly in excess, can contribute to bone density loss—a concern for women already facing the challenges of osteoporosis during menopause.
Navigating a New Relationship with Alcohol: Tips and Considerations
Mindful Moderation:
Adopting a mindset of mindful moderation is key. Assess your alcohol consumption against the backdrop of your changing body and emotions. Listen to what your body is telling you, and be prepared to adjust your habits accordingly. While this may create a need for a big change in some, it may not in others. Being honest with ourselves and accepting the changes that are occurring in our lives is so important right now (and I know, really challenging too).
Alternative Stress Relievers:
Explore alternative stress-relief methods that don't involve alcohol. Whether it's meditation, yoga, or simply taking a mindful walk, diversifying your coping mechanisms can contribute to a more balanced emotional state. I always remind my clients, nothing is going to feel the same as a substance. A mindful walk or deep breathing won’t ever feel like a glass of wine, acceptance comes into play here as well. Learning to tolerate a bit of discomfort that’s left over is a huge skill right now and something I help my clients with all the time.
Educate Yourself:
Understanding the intricacies of how alcohol interacts with your changing body is empowering. Educate yourself on the metabolic, hormonal, and emotional aspects, allowing you to make informed decisions that align with your health goals.
Perimenopause invites us to reevaluate many aspects of our lives, including our relationship with alcohol. It's not about prohibition but about informed choices and mindful moderation. As we gracefully age, embracing the changes with a spirit of understanding and self-care becomes paramount. Cheers to navigating perimenopause with clarity, compassion, and a newfound perspective on our evolving selves.
