Is alcohol making menopause harder? ASCERT urges women to ‘Rethink Your Drink’

As part of Menopause Awareness Month, ASCERT is encouraging women to consider the often over looked relationship between alcohol and menopause symptoms. 

Menopause can cause hot flushes, night sweats, disrupted sleep, anxiety and mood changes. For some women, alcohol can feel like a way to relax or switch off, but it can also make these symptoms worse. 

“Menopause can be a challenging period of change, and it’s understandable that some women may use alcohol as a way of relaxing, switching off or managing stress,” said Gary McMichael, Chief Executive of ASCERT. 

“Alcohol can become part of a cycle where it provides temporary relief while potentially contributing to menopausal symptoms including poorer sleep and increased anxiety.  We want to help women better understand the relationship between alcohol and their wellbeing so they can make informed choices that work for them.” 

Alcohol can also have longer-term health implications. Following menopause, declining bone density can increase the risk of osteoporosis and fractures, while alcohol consumption is associated with increased risks of several cancers, including breast cancer. 

ASCERT’s established Rethink Your Drink campaign encourages people to reflect on their drinking using three simple steps: AWARE, PREPARE and ENGAGE. 

Small changes can make a difference, including setting a drinking limit, choosing smaller or lower-alcohol drinks, taking alcohol-free days and finding alternative ways to unwind. 

“Rethinking your drink doesn’t necessarily mean making huge changes overnight,” McMichael added. “Sometimes it starts with simply noticing what you drink, when you drink and how you feel afterwards.” 

For information, self-help tools and confidential support, visit www.ascert.biz or contact [email protected] or 0800 2545 123.