Surprising Truth about Drinking on Your Period

Updated

03 February 2023

|

Published

16 September 2019

Fact Checked

Reviewed by Kate Shkodzik, MD, Obstetrician and gynecologist

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Can drinking during your period make you feel better or worse? Many people aren’t sure about the link between alcohol consumption and their periods, and anecdotal accounts may be misleading. Here are some popular FAQs about the correlation between drinking and your period.

Can you drink during your period?

While you may crave a glass of wine or other alcoholic beverage, drinking during your period can adversely impact your hormone levels. Alcohol can increase the production of both estrogen and testosterone in the body. Too much of either can exacerbate PMS symptoms, especially mood swings and irritability. It also impacts the balance of prostaglandins, which can worsen cramps.

How much you drink and what you drink can affect how you feel. For pregnant people, even a little drinking can result in fetal alcohol syndrome, especially early on in a pregnancy.

You may notice that your alcohol tolerance is lower during your period as well. While everybody is different, knowing whether you become intoxicated faster during your period can help you make responsible drinking choices. 

Can alcohol consumption cause cycle irregularities or disorders?

Regular drinking can cause hormonal fluctuations that can lead to both irregular ovulation and periods. Chronic alcohol use can cause reproductive issues, including difficulty conceiving and complete cessation of the menstrual cycle.

The body needs the proper balance of estrogen and progesterone released in specific amounts for ovulation and menstruation to be regular. The effects of alcohol on hormone balance can make ovulation irregular or make it stop entirely.

Does alcohol help cramps?

Some people may say that alcohol can dull the feeling of cramps while drinking. However, alcohol is a diuretic, which means it increases urination and can cause dehydration. And being dehydrated can actually make cramps worse.

Many health professionals recommend increasing your water intake during your period. Your abdominal muscles and uterus will cramp less if you’re well-hydrated. Water also thins the blood and mucus, which makes it easier for your body to pass it. If you’re dehydrated, then you’re likely to have worse cramps (in addition to the rest of the symptoms of a hangover).

Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it increases urination and can cause dehydration. And being dehydrated can make cramps worse.

Ultimately, everyone is different. Many people may feel more relaxed with a glass of wine or a cocktail when they’re on their period, which can help ease cramping. The relaxing effects of one or two drinks may help you feel better — just be sure to drink plenty of water when you consume alcohol.

Does alcohol make you bleed more?

Menstrual blood is different from the rest of the blood in your body. In addition to the blood itself, it contains parts of the inner uterine lining and mucus. 

After an evening of drinking, you’re likely to be dehydrated. The dehydrating effects of alcohol may make the blood and mucus thicker and thus harder to pass.

What to drink on your period

For people who notice that they become intoxicated more quickly on their periods, drinking fruity cocktails with a high sugar content can intensify the effects of the alcohol by creating a spike in your blood sugar. 

Flavored sparkling water or a “mocktail” are good options for when you need to abstain from alcohol at a social event or bar. If you do choose to drink alcohol, be sure to drink more water than usual to stay well-hydrated.

Coffee can also worsen symptoms of PMS. It increases blood pressure and resting heart rate, which can exacerbate tension and anxiety. Tea, sparkling water, or juice are better options during this time of your cycle.

Does drinking alcohol affect fertility?

Drinking alcohol can negatively affect fertility. The effects of alcohol on your hormones may cause irregular or absent ovulation. In addition, alcohol can affect when in your cycle you ovulate. If you’re trying to conceive, this means that if you’re hoping to target your fertile window, your timing could be off.

The exact effect of alcohol consumption on fertility isn’t quite understood, although the overall effects of alcohol on the body are negative. Overconsumption — more than three drinks a day, or more than seven to eight drinks per week — can have long-term effects on blood pressure and heart health. During pregnancy and while trying to conceive, these conditions can be dangerous for both parent and baby.

Drinking alcohol can negatively affect fertility. The effects of alcohol on your hormones may cause irregular or absent ovulation. In addition, alcohol can affect when in your cycle you ovulate.

If you are considering IVF or fertility drugs, drinking alcohol can reduce their effectiveness and decrease your chances of viable implantation and live birth. If both partners who are trying to conceive are moderate to heavy drinkers, the chances of conception drop even further, as alcohol has a negative effect on the number and viability of sperm. 

Although a glass of wine or a beer may be a treat to help you relax during your period, it’s important to consume alcohol judiciously when you have your period or if you’re trying to conceive. Make sure if you do drink that you get plenty of water too, and always drink in moderation.

References

Emanuele, Mary Ann, et al. “Alcohol·s Effects on Female Reproductive Function.” National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, June 2003, pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/arh36-4/274-281.htm.

“Can Lifestyle Choices Boost My Chance of Getting Pregnant?” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 25 Apr. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/female-fertility/art-20045887.

“Alcohol Questions and Answers.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 15 Jan. 2020, www.cdc.gov/alcohol/faqs.htm.

Rossi, Brooke V, et al. “Effect of Alcohol Consumption on in Vitro Fertilization.” Obstetrics and Gynecology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Jan. 2011, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4487775/.

“What Are the Different Drinking Levels?” National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov/How-much-is-too-much/Is-your-drinking-pattern-risky/Drinking-Levels.aspx.

History of updates

Current version
(03 February 2023)

Reviewed by Kate Shkodzik, MD, Obstetrician and gynecologist

14 September 2019

Can You Drink Alcohol On Your Period?

Your mood, body, and thoughts can change drastically throughout your menstrual cycle. So much so in fact, that at times you may feel like PMS rules your life – you’re not alone. The fluctuations in your mood might leave you wanting a pick-me-up like a fun-filled boozy night with friends or a Netflix binge with a glass of wine. But can you drink alcohol on your period?

The short answer is yes. You can drink alcohol on your period – if you want to. There’s absolutely nothing stopping you, but it’s good to keep in mind that as our hormones fluctuate week on week, there may be a better time during your cycle to schedule in drinks plans. As a reminder, here are the different phases of your menstrual cycle:

Different stages of the menstrual cycle

Stage 1: Menstrual Phase – where your oestrogen and progesterone levels fall.

Stage 2: Follicular Phase – Your period ends, and oestrogen increases again.

Stage 3: Ovulatory Phase – this is right before PMS begins, and oestrogen is at its peak.

Stage 4: Luteal Phase – PMS might mean fatigue, higher body temperatures or any of these other PMS symptoms.

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Is drinking alcohol on your period safe?

If you’re drinking safely and not in excess, it is safe to drink alcohol during your period. Alcohol is unlikely to seriously impact your menstrual cycle, regardless of when you choose to enjoy a glass of your favourite tipple. But it’s good to be aware that drinking at different stages of your cycle might have different effects on your body too. Similar to how you might adjust your skincare for your menstrual phases, you might benefit from adjusting your drinking habits throughout your cycle too.

How does alcohol affect your menstrual cycle?

There are several potential ways that drinking alcohol can affect your period or other stages of your menstrual cycle. Here are the most common effects:

Irregularity

Alcohol can temporarily increase your levels of testosterone and oestrogen – the hormones that are essential for ovulation. These fluctuations in your hormone levels can lead to irregular or even missed periods, but typically only when alcohol is consumed in high doses.

Period pains

A common symptom that accompanies the menstrual phase of your cycle is cramps, and dehydration from alcohol can worsen them. Cramps are already an unpleasant experience, so if you’re drinking alcohol on your period, be sure to stay as hydrated as possible. Alternating alcoholic drinks with water is a good habit to help you stay hydrated regardless of where you are in your menstrual cycle.

Cravings

If you get cravings as a PMS symptom, you’ll know the period hunger is real! Part of the reason why you might feel hungrier and crave certain foods when you’re PMSing is down to a lack of hydration. Alcohol dehydrates your body too, worsening cravings. If you want to keep your cravings to a minimum, take our advice as above and stay hydrated when drinking alcohol in the lead up to your period.

Fatigue

The luteal and menstrual phases of your cycle can leave you feeling fatigued. Alcohol is a depressant, which flattens your nervous system, this coupled with the fact that many alcoholic drinks contain high levels of sugar. If you’re already feeling lethargic, drinking is likely to cause a sugar crash, leaving you feeling even more tired than before. Drinking alcohol also lessens the quality of your sleep, so it might take your body a little while to catch up after an alcohol-fuelled night during these two phases.

Mood swings

Drinking alcohol during your luteal phase might have a noticeable impact on your mood. This is already a time in your menstrual cycle when you might experience mood swings, and alcohol can heighten those highs and the lows. You could experience an increased amount of enjoyment when drinking, but consequently, increased feelings of sadness similar to depression and anxiety.

Fertility

Although it isn’t exactly clear how or why alcohol affects your fertility, according to Anthony Rutherford, a consultant in reproductive medicine and Chair of the British Fertility Society, even light alcohol consumption (one to five drinks a week) can reduce chances of conception. More than ten drinks per week can affect fertility even more drastically. If you’re trying to conceive, it’s a good idea to avoid alcohol to maximise your chances. This also avoids any accidental harm if you don’t know you’re pregnant. It’s important to remember that this does not mean alcohol consumption is an alternative contraception option.

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When should I drink alcohol during my menstrual cycle?

Unfortunately, there’s no magic pill to boost your endurance at the bar or to be rid of the side effects of drinking. If you find that drinking on your period or right before in the luteal phase worsens your symptoms, or that you have a reduced tolerance for alcohol, it might be best to stick with soft drinks during these phases of your cycle. If you are going to drink while you’re PMSing, steer clear of sugary drinks like fruity cocktails. Think of it this way—your period-related headaches will be less of a drag if booze isn’t involved, right?

Tips for drinking during your period

1. Drink plenty of water – alcohol can make you feel dehydrated but especially when you’re in the luteal phase, and water is exactly what your body is looking for.
2. Avoid caffeine – caffeine is an inflammatory substance that might further exacerbate your PMS symptoms if you’ve been drinking on your period.
3. Eat well – add foods to your meals that are rich in multitudes of vitamins to help with period cramps.
4. Get plenty of sleep – schedule yourself a lie-in or early night following all the fun, your body will thank you for it.

Have you found that drinking alcohol during your period influences any of your symptoms? Tell us in the comments!

You may also like…

What can not be done during menstruation?

There are many myths about what you can and cannot do during your period. Some rules really need
observe, but most of them are just rumors that should not be followed.

Contents

1. What not to do during menstruation
1. Steam bath or sauna
2. Take a bath
3. Swim in the pool
4. Perform surgeries and laboratory tests
2. What can be done during menstruation
1. Participate in sports, but with certain restrictions
2. Having sex
3. Restricted consumption of alcohol

What not to do during menstruation

During menstruation, you can not do the following.

Steam bath or sauna

As a rule, during menstruation, a woman loses about one glass of blood, which leads to a decrease in the amount
erythrocytes. It is very hot in the bath and sauna, which, together with a decrease in red blood cells, can lead to fainting.
Some women calmly endure such loads, but it is best to postpone them for at least two days after the start.
monthly.

Take a bath

It is best not to take a bath for at least the first two days after your period, as warming the pelvic area can
lead to severe vasodilation and increased bleeding.

During menstruation, the cervix is ​​slightly open, which increases the risk of infection in the uterus or fallopian tubes. Besides
However, tap water contains aggressive substances used for disinfection. During menstruation, the uterus
devoid of a protective layer and more susceptible to adverse effects.

Swim in the pool

It is better to refuse swimming in the pool for at least two days from the onset of menstruation. For light bleeding,
use a tampon that needs to be changed after leaving the pool.

Swimming in the sea during menstruation is not worth it, since at this time the risk of infection in the neck increases
uterus.

You should not stay on the beach for a long time, as sunbathing during menstruation negatively affects well-being. AND
It is important to wear a hat.

Perform surgeries and laboratory tests

During menstruation, bleeding increases and the risk of blood clots increases. Therefore, operations at this time
usually don’t.

You don’t need to take tests either. The study of urine will be unreliable, and in the KLA the ESR may greatly increase and
other inaccuracies appear. If the study is not urgent, then it is better to do it a week after menstruation.

What can be done during menstruation

During menstruation, you can do the following.

Play sports, but with certain restrictions

It is not recommended to lift heavy sports equipment in the gym, do complex exercises and bar.
It is better to give preference to yoga or Pilates, that is, any sports aimed primarily at
stretching. They reduce stagnant processes in the pelvic region, leading to discomfort during menstruation.

In addition, it is necessary to refrain from postures in which you need to be upside down for a long time. short-term
exercises of such a plan of danger, as a rule, do not carry.

If a woman has heavy and painful periods, then about visiting the gym during bleeding, you need to
consult a doctor. You may have to give up physical activity for at least the first two days of menstruation.

Having sex

You can have sex during your period. The only thing you need to take care of hygiene and use
a condom, as at this time the uterus is especially susceptible to damage and infection.

Limited consumption of alcohol

Alcoholic drinks retain water in the body, dilate blood vessels and usually increase pain. With menstruation
you can drink one glass of wine, but you should not abuse it.

Is it possible to drink alcohol during menstruation ☆ What a woman needs to know

May 6, 2021 0

Menstruation, which is embedded in the female body, is a natural process. Usually it does not cause much discomfort, but sometimes it is accompanied by a number of unpleasant symptoms. On critical days, severe pulling pains in the lower abdomen often occur. Other unpleasant symptoms of this condition are nausea, vomiting, and weakness. Many endure, calmly endure this period, believing that these sensations are normal. Others try to manage their symptoms with alcoholic beverages. In this case, it is important to figure out whether it is possible to drink alcohol during menstruation.

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how to figure out whether it is possible to drink alcoholic beverages during menstruation, you need to understand what pushes women to drink in particular those days.

There are a number of reasons for the desire to drink wine or another type of alcohol during the menstrual cycle:

1. In case of premenstrual syndrome, women feel unpleasant symptoms, pulling pains appear in the lower abdomen, breasts swell, its sensitivity increases, etc. In addition to the above, there is also psychological discomfort. During this period, irascibility and resentment are observed. Low-alcohol drinks usually help to cope with this condition.
2. Menstruation is a difficult test for women, so they drink alcohol to stop painful symptoms. During menstruation, there are unpleasant sensations in the lumbar region and lower abdomen, which can be of a different nature. In this case, someone prefers painkillers, while others choose alcohol.
3. Desire to replenish the loss of blood that occurs during menstruation. This property is characterized by chocolate and red wine.

Drinking alcohol adversely affects human health. There is no safe dose, so it is best to avoid it completely. Despite knowing the negative aspects of this drink, many women drink it during their period to cope with the unpleasant symptoms of this condition. It is important to understand whether this decision may lead to delay and other consequences.

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The desire to alleviate unpleasant symptoms with the help of alcoholic beverages is understandable and not reprehensible. The question of how safe it is for health remains open.

There are 2 points of view regarding this problem:

1. Drinking alcohol is allowed, but only in limited quantities. It is enough to drink one glass of wine to normalize the mental state and minimize discomfort. The only thing is that this point of view does not imply the use of vodka, cognac or other strong drinks. If you drink only mild alcohol, the risk of missed periods is minimal. If this happens, you need to look for another reason.
2. Doctors strictly forbid drinking alcohol during menstruation. Drinking negatively affects the intensity of bleeding. Therefore, women with heavy menses should not drink alcohol. At first, it will seem to you that menstruation has become less pronounced, but this is a deceptive feeling. After some time, she will return with a vengeance.

It is up to you to decide which of the points of view you describe. The only thing you need to understand is that ethanol affects not only the reproductive system, but the entire body. Menstruation can be an excuse for weakness, but this should not be abused. If you decide to drink, limit yourself to one glass of wine.

During critical days, a woman loses a small amount of blood. Despite this, the process can cause weakness, especially if you suffer from anemia. With the beginning of a new cycle, it is recommended to replenish the amount of biological fluid. Chocolate and some other foods can help with this.

Due to the excessive use of alcohol, the female body suffers seriously. Initially, the work of the central nervous system, the reproductive system, and then other internal organs are disrupted.

If you drink strong drinks during your period, you may encounter a number of unpleasant consequences:

• Severe pain , especially in the lower abdomen. You need to abandon the idea of ​​​​drinking alcohol if painful sensations are pronounced.
• Ethanol causes a delay in the natural excretion of fluids , which negatively affects the general state of health.
• Unstable mental state . During the menstrual cycle, the hormonal background changes, which affects mood and psycho-emotional well-being. Alcohol can worsen the condition, it leads to a greater imbalance. Even one glass of wine leads to the development of stress.
• Drinking alcohol leads to instability and irregular menstruation . This is especially true for women with an active sex life.

So that you can survive the critical days without discomfort, follow a number of simple rules that will help minimize unpleasant symptoms.

They are quite simple:

1. drink more fluids
2. avoid spicy and fatty foods
3. maintain a moderately active lifestyle
4. go to the toilet more often.

If menstruation is accompanied by severe pain, a doctor should be consulted. It is permissible to take an anesthetic drug, but after the completion of critical days, it is necessary to undergo an examination to identify the cause of this symptom.

When menstruation falls on holidays and is not accompanied by pain, you can drink a glass of wine or a small amount of another drink.

If menstruation is difficult, you need to completely abandon alcohol.

Alcohol has a negative effect on women’s health, especially during the menstrual cycle.

The main is the following:

1. Expansion of blood vessels, which leads to an acceleration of blood circulation. This causes an increase in menstruation, due to which it turns into bleeding.
2. The work of the kidneys is disrupted, the process of removing fluid from the body slows down. As a result, the metabolic process is disrupted. It is also affected by menstruation, so the likelihood of swelling increases.
3. Influence on the production of hormones, unstable mental state. A woman tries to cope with this with the help of strong drinks, but he only “improves the condition” in the first minutes, after which he aggravates the situation.
4. The toxic effect of ethyl alcohol on the liver, namely, this organ is responsible for the production of the female hormone estrogen. Due to the constant damage to its tissue, this will lead to a decrease in its production. The hormone “estrogen” affects the beauty and youth.
5. Development of dependence, addiction to alcohol. In this case, it is important to seek medical help as soon as possible, which you can get in Moscow at the First Narcological Clinic.

Drinking alcohol affects a person in different ways. For example, drinking beer contributes to increased pain, while wine has the opposite effect. The reaction of the body depends on individual characteristics.

Most gynecologists are of the opinion that alcohol in reasonable amounts will not have a strong effect on menstruation. They are convinced that the changes are caused by other reasons.

In fact, alcoholic drinks have the following effect:

• delay the menstrual cycle by 1-5 days
• are reflected in the intensity of secretions
• increase the duration of the menstrual cycle by 1-2 days.

During critical days, the hormonal background changes, so the body may react inadequately to a number of factors. Even a small dose of alcohol can adversely affect the body. If you still decide to drink, you need to responsibly approach the choice of alcohol. When choosing alcohol, you need to focus on quality drinks purchased at trusted points of sale.

The reaction of the female body to ethanol is unpredictable. You must decide for yourself whether you are willing to take risks for the sake of momentary pleasure.

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If you are at the festive table during your menstruation, you need to follow a number of recommendations:

• When you are menstruating, it is better to stop at a high-quality red dessert wine.