3 debilitating effects of alcohol on female hormones

3 debilitating effects of alcohol on female hormones

The lead female protagonist of the series “Sex and the City,” Carrie Bradshaw, took the American fashion statement to an altogether different height in the 90s through her obsession with Monolas Blahnik heels and Fendi handbags. Immaculately draped in Chanel dresses, she resonated with many American single women, with oodles of confidence and style. Carrie, however, was also seen sipping Cosmopolitan, a pink colored cocktail through all the seasons which tempted woman fans to raise a toast every time they met a friend, or during a PMS, or a breakup/hook up. Cosmopolitan was a permanent fixture of this series and as a result, every other girl started feeling a part of the glamor world by ordering a Cosmo.

Unfortunately, today, women drink not only to feel like their favorite style icon but also because they are overwhelmed with career, home, childcare and so much more that drinking has become a norm to seek relaxation. This, however, is a dangerous trend because health authorities across the globe are armed with staggering statistics regarding alcohol consumption in women and hormonal dysfunctions. Some of the ill effects of alcohol on the female hormones are:

Alcohol and impairment of blood sugar levels

Alcohol is full of glucose so when a person consumes a drink or two, lots of glucose is released into the blood. This high concentration of glucose is balanced by hormone insulin. However, when people drink too much alcohol,  a high amount of glucose is released into the blood, forcing the pancreas to release a high amount of insulin, which drops the blood sugar level again. If one takes alcohol frequently, the process keeps continuing until the body develops insulin resistance in which insulin can no longer scavenge the blood glucose. This causes a high blood sugar level which can cause weight gain, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and diabetes.

Alcohol and dysfunctional female reproductive system

Alcohol is a dehydrating agent and its consumption in females is known to cause dry vagina which might cause painful intercourse. In addition to this, alcohol also affects ovulation and causes menstrual irregularities. Women consuming alcohol are at a higher risk of undergoing spontaneous abortions and reaching menopause at a relatively young age. Furthermore, alcohol consumption during the first trimester can result in fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), causing multiple complications in an infant and preterm births. Besides, alcohol can also induce breast cancer. In females, chronic alcohol consumption can cause sexual dysfunction and even infertility.

Alcohol disturbs calcium metabolism and bone physiology

Calcium is mainly stored in teeth, bones and in rest of the body in various body fluids. Its circulation, storage and excretion are managed by parathyroid hormone (PTH), vitamin-D derived hormones and calcitonin. Calcium plays an integral role in facilitating communication between different cells of the body. Excessive consumption of alcohol can result in the deficiency of PTH, resulting in its excessive secretion in urine that can impair vitamin D metabolism, integral to the absorption of calcium in the body. Alcohol can also disturb bone metabolism, resulting in osteoporosis in which there is considerable loss of bone mass and an individual becomes susceptible to fractures.

Road to recovery

Alcohol consumption is increasing among females of almost all age groups. One should be, however, mindful that alcohol can provide only a temporary distraction or relief. Once its effects wear down, a person reaches for it again, and becomes a dependent and then addicted. Therefore, one must seek professional help to quit addiction.

If you know a woman or any other loved one dependent on alcohol, contact the Alcohol Addiction Helpline of California to know more about inpatient treatment for alcoholism in California. Call us at our 24/7 helpline number 855-980-1715 or chat online for any information regarding alcohol addiction treatment facilities in California.

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