Why some women may need to rethink their relationship with alcohol

Lisa Saul, MD

Submitted photo

If You Need Help

If you’re concerned about your drinking or need guidance, reach out to a health care provider, explore behavioral health resources through your insurance or visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration at findtreatment.gov

If you’ve ever enjoyed a glass of wine to unwind after a long day or shared cocktails with friends, you’re not alone. But here’s something you might not know: alcohol affects women differently than men — and not in a good way.

Women’s bodies process alcohol differently, making them more susceptible to its harmful effects. And in recent years, alcohol-related health risks for women have skyrocketed. The former U.S. surgeon general recently warned that alcohol increases cancer risk, while studies show that alcohol-related deaths among women have jumped by nearly 15% in the past two decades.

So, what does this mean for you? It’s time to take a closer look at how alcohol affects women at different life stages — and what you can do to protect your health.

• Nearly 29% of women aged 18 to 25 report binge drinking. This can lead to higher risks of accidents and alcohol poisoning. Moreover, binge drinking during these formative years can cause long-term changes to brain development and increase the risk of developing alcohol dependence.
• No amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy. Even small amounts may increase the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, which can cause lifelong developmental challenges. Despite these risks, nearly 14% of pregnant women report drinking and about 5% reported binge drinking.
• Heavy drinking among women has surged by 41% since the pandemic, putting mothers at higher risk of liver disease, heart problems and increased anxiety and depression, and developing alcohol dependence over time.
• As women approach perimenopause, alcohol can hit harder due to hormonal shifts, increasing the risk of conditions like heart disease and certain cancers. Hormonal changes during this life stage may also lead to intensified cravings for alcohol, increasing the risk of dependency.

The cancer connection

The American Association for Cancer Research recently highlighted a strong link between alcohol use and six types of cancer, including breast and colorectal cancers. This is particularly concerning, as rates for some of these cancers are rising among younger adults. You can take steps to greatly reduce your risk. According to the AACR, 40% of all cancers are linked to risk factors we can control, such as making better choices around alcohol, not smoking, staying active and improving eating habits.

Alcohol-related dementia

This condition happens when long-term heavy drinking causes serious brain damage, leading to memory loss, trouble solving problems and changes in behavior and personality. The good news is that cutting back on alcohol can help manage and even improve these symptoms over time.

Taking charge of your health

While being mindful of alcohol is a great first step, prioritizing your overall well-being is just as important. Here are five ways to stay on top of your health.

•  Understand the impact of alcohol. Think red wine is good for your heart? New research says otherwise — no amount of alcohol is healthy. Educating yourself about alcohol’s effects can help you make more informed choices. 
• Make a plan. If you chose to drink, set limits, alternate with water or explore non-alcoholic alternatives. Consider finding social activities that don’t revolve around alcohol.
• See your doctor regularly. Routine checkups can help identify early signs of alcohol-related health risks, including high blood pressure, liver issues and increased cancer risk.
• Explore available resources. Many workplaces offer Employee Assistance Programs provide support for mental health, stress, and substance use concerns. You may also have access to digital health tools, telehealth visits and wellness programs.
• Lean on a support system. Instead of relying on alcohol to unwind, try stress-relieving activities like walking, journaling, or connecting with a friend. Surround yourself with people who encourage balance and healthy choices.

It’s never too late to rethink your drinking

If you’re concerned about your drinking or need guidance, reach out to a health care provider, explore behavioral health resources through your insurance or visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.  

Editor’s note: Lisa Saul, MD is chief medical officer of women’s health for UnitedHealthcare, which offers a full spectrum of health benefit programs for individuals, employers, and Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries in Arizona. Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.