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[ON555]

Hi all- I am 44, peri and 6 months into oestrogel/progestogen/testosterone combo. Just wondering if anyone has had a similar experience to this? I have found my alcohol tolerance has dropped massively. Not just hangovers, but waking at 2/3am and also very low mood for 2/3 days after drinking. (when I say drinking, not even that excessively any more, a couple of glasses of wine, 2 nights on the trot is enough to bring on the low mood?)

[Foxylady]

Hi ON555, I've been off alcohol for a year now (never a big drinker anyway) it made me feel awful, immediate flushings/sweats and even more rubbish sleep than usual...not worth it for me! I'm 41 peri & 3 months on HRT (Fluoxetine started week before). Miserable not being able to have at least one (I gave bottle of prosecco away to inlaws yesterday that I was gifted ).

[Hurdity]

It seems that for many women alcohol tolerance changes when you become peri-menopausal. It was quite a shock to me! I have learned how to manage it and still enjoy a few drinks from time to time. It doesn't lead to low mood for me but the thick head and often migraines especially after wine (as you say even a couple of glasses - especially later in the evening) were unbearable. I have found the key is only to drink early in the evening and have plenty of water. Also if out for a meal or event and have a drink or two later, a mug of proper strong coffee later in the evening also helps as well as copious amounts of water - but I have also changed to being very sleepy at night and early mornings so the caffeine does not keep me awake. Because I am on HRT it doesn't bring on flushes as these are controlled.

Hurdity x

[Wrensong]

I'm 7 years postmenopause & found early in peri that tolerance of alcohol suddenly completely changed, to the extent that just one glass of wine made me feel unwell - often with the worst of the reaction delayed, so that an early evening glass meant a very bad night would follow.   Has continued to be very, very bad for flushing, night sweats & insomnia & like Foxylady I've now (reluctantly) given up alcohol altogether.  Can't say I don't miss it, but I need to do all I can to be well & can live without it.  Being alcohol-free also reduces risk of breast cancer, so if we feel we have to take that step, that's something positive to think of when we're missing a glass of wine!

[Foxylady]

I also found I rarely had wine without devouring a family bag of crisps!!! So it has been great from a healthier diet and not snacking point of view!!

[catlover68]

I also cannot tolerate alcohol anymore. I used to love a glass or two of wine especially at the weekend. Unfortunately it just gives me a headache and I feel awful within a couple of hours. I found giving alcohol up hard as most of my friends are drinkers and they don't get it. Also my partner drinks and is always saying ‘surely you can have a couple' Err no I can't as it makes me feel rubbish! Another pleasure taken away🙄

[dangermouse]

Hormones do affect how you respond to alcohol. If I have oestrogen surging then I can drink lots but not feel even slightly tipsy and when it's lower (and when I was on progesterone cream), only one glass goes straight to my head - in a good way!

Magnesium supplementation can help as this is the main mineral depleted by alcohol and can be lower from hormonal imbalance. It can take a while to replete so slow and gentle uptake is best. I had  to go really slow but it has also helped my migraines.