DrJuliaOnline

The tides are turning on alcohol consumption, especially for women in midlife. Previously thought to impart cardiovascular benefit as part of the Mediterranean diet, we’re not so sure anymore.  

Most recent findings show alcohol to have a neutral effect on cardiovascular function at fewer than 6 servings/week, and a detrimental effect at levels above that, increasing risk of coronary artery disease, heart failure, high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation and stroke

Alcohol is also a risk factor for many of the things we’re trying to prevent in midlife:

• Insulin resistance and weight gain
• Hot flashes, night sweats, disrupted sleep
• Fractures -3+ servings of alcohol daily associated with a 68% increased risk of hip fracture
• Breast cancer - 7-10% increased risk of breast cancer for each 10 g (<1 drink) per day. For breast cancer risk, there is no “safe limit” of alcohol consumption. Even drinking small amounts of alcohol can increase your risk.  

Canada’s latest guidelines

The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) released their guidelines “Canada’s Low Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines” in August 2022. It was a scouring of the evidence to date. Their findings:

            0-2 servings alcohol/week -> negligible to low risk

            3-6 servings/week - increased risk of colon and breast cancer, in women more than men

            7 servings/week -> increased risk of heart attack and stroke

            7+ drinks per week ->exponential risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease and others

Guidelines and research aside, many women notice their tolerance for alcohol changes in perimenopause and that it aggravates symptoms of fatigue, night sweats, bloating, disrupted sleep and headaches.  

For those that enjoy alcohol as part of their lifestyle, 0-2 servings/week for women appears to be low risk.