Booze And Periods: How Alcohol Affects Menstruation
- Mariana Purificacion
- Apr 11, 2020
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 12, 2020
Contributed by Flow Quesada
Anyone who gets periods would know how difficult it is to have fun during that time of the month. One way we love to enjoy the night is to have a couple of drinks with friends, right, ladies? Nothing wrong with having fun and having a few drinks, but it may have crossed your mind whether it’s okay to have your dose of alcohol while on your period. We’re here to answer some of the most common questions about booze and periods.
Is it okay to drink during my period?
It’s totally okay to drink during your period, but there are a few things that you should know. Alcohol can increase the hormones estrogen and testosterone in your body. When this happens, your PMS could get worse especially mood swings and irritability. If you plan on drinking during your period, you might want to prepare in case you get more emotional about things that aren’t much of a big deal after all. Know your limits and make responsible drinking choices.
Will drinking alcohol mess up my cycle?
Alcohol can increase estrogen and testosterone, but is it enough to cause hormonal imbalance and irregularities in your menstrual cycle? More studies are still being conducted to confirm whether alcohol can really mess up the cycle. However, there are some studies that suggest relationships between drinking alcohol and cycle irregularities, but generally only when lots of alcohol is consumed constantly. If you only drink moderately, it probably won’t affect your menstrual cycle.
Can alcohol increase period flow?
It could be the dehydrating effect of alcohol that makes it appear like you’re bleeding more. When you’re dehydrated, your menstrual fluid may become thicker and harder to exit the body. Your flow doesn’t really increase because of alcohol. It’s the thickness that makes it look like you’ve released more blood.
Every woman’s body is different. You know your body best, so make the best decisions for yourself. Make sure you drink enough water if your night out involves alcoholic drinks. Also, be mindful of your drinking habits when you’re on your period or if you’re trying to get pregnant — drink responsibly, ladies!
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