Menopause and alcohol—a duo that can feel like both a match made in heaven and a recipe for disaster. We’re here to talk about how to navigate the glorious golden years of menopause with a splash less vino and a splash more humor. Pour yourself a refreshing mocktail, sit back, and let’s dive in (before the hot flashes kick in!).
1. The Love-Hate Relationship
Let’s face it, sometimes a glass of wine is the only thing that gets you through another “You look tired today!” comment from an innocent coworker. But while that glass (or two) may feel like a sweet reward after a long day, it can be the culprit behind those pesky night sweats that make you feel like a rotisserie chicken at 3 a.m. Turns out, alcohol is a double agent: helping you relax…only to turn around and ruin your sleep. Thanks a lot, Merlot!
2. The Blame Game: Why Alcohol Makes Symptoms Worse
Here’s the plot twist: alcohol and menopause are like two dramatic divas trying to share the spotlight. They both want to heat things up, whether it’s through a flash of warmth (hello, hot flashes) or a surge of confidence. When alcohol joins the menopause party, things can spiral—think increased hot flashes, mood swings, and maybe even a bit of bloat. It’s like your body is throwing you a surprise “keep it cool” challenge every night.
3. The Myth of “Just One Drink”
One of life’s many ironies: when you say, “Just one glass tonight,” and suddenly, it’s three glasses later, and you’re texting your high school best friend about how you both need to take up pottery. Alcohol loves to loosen us up, but during menopause, it’s important to redefine what “just one” really means—especially since a little goes a lot further now (not that we’re cheap dates or anything).
4. The Great Mocktail
Revolution
Mocktails are the new MVPs of our social scene, and they’re anything but boring! From sparkling water spritzers with a splash of grapefruit to minty cucumber coolers, there are endless options to sip on something refreshing that won’t have you waking up feeling like a dehydrated cactus. And, hey, you’ll still get to partake in the clinking of glasses and the “cheers” moments. Plus, there’s no risk of those surprise texts to your ex.
5. Tips for Cutting Back Without Feeling Left Out
So, you want to cut down but still be the life of the party? We’ve got you covered. Here are a few pro tips:
- The Fakeout Glass: Sparkling water in a wine glass. Your brain says, “We’re fancy!” while your liver says, “Thank you.”
- Slow Sipping: Pretend it’s 1997 and you’re savoring a $5 coffee. This buys you time without hitting refill every 15 minutes.
- Switching Gears: Rotate a water in between each drink. Call it the “hydration dance” and make it a thing. Trust us, it’ll catch on.
6. The Bright Side: Benefits of Drinking Less During Menopause
On the plus side, cutting back on alcohol can do wonders for your mood, skin, and that all-important beauty sleep. Think of it as the ultimate anti-aging secret that doesn’t involve any needles. And with better sleep, your patience level for those “Well, aren’t you hormonal today!” comments might just improve.
7. Laugh It Off, Ladies!
If all else fails, remember that laughter truly is the best medicine. (Well, laughter and a good herbal tea.) Menopause is the ultimate “Are you kidding me?” phase, and we’re all in it together. So when you find yourself tempted by a second margarita on a Tuesday, ask yourself: Do I want to be awake at 2 a.m., contemplating my life choices, or shall I save this drink for the weekend?
Final Sip of Wisdom
At the end of the day, menopause and alcohol can coexist—just maybe not as closely as they used to. By dialing it down a bit, you can enjoy the perks of a more balanced life without missing out on the occasional celebratory toast. So here’s to finding your perfect (mocktail) mix and keeping those hot flashes in check! Cheers to menopause, where every sip—and every laugh—counts.
~ Dr Mia Chorney
DNP, FNP-BC, MSCP,
thePause™ Co-Founder and CMO