How Wine Could Be Making Your Menopause Symptoms Worse

Enjoying a nightly glass of wine might seem relaxing, but it could be contributing to hot flashes and weight gain during menopause.

Menopause is a significant transition for many women, often accompanied by challenging symptoms like hot flashes and weight gain. While lifestyle adjustments can help manage these issues, one common factor that’s often overlooked is alcohol consumption—especially that seemingly harmless nightly glass of wine. Recent studies have found a connection between alcohol, including wine, and an increase in menopausal symptoms.

The Link Between Wine and Hot Flashes

Hot flashes are one of the most uncomfortable symptoms of menopause, characterized by sudden, intense heat accompanied by sweating and a rapid heartbeat. Research has shown that alcohol, particularly wine, can make hot flashes worse.

Here’s why:

Alcohol acts as a vasodilator, meaning it widens your blood vessels, increasing blood flow to the skin. This can trigger the sensation of warmth, and for women going through menopause, whose bodies are already dealing with hormonal fluctuations, this can worsen hot flashes. Studies show that even small amounts of alcohol, such as a single glass of wine, can lead to more frequent or severe hot flashes.

Wine’s Impact on Weight Gain During Menopause

Weight gain is a common struggle during menopause, often due to hormone changes and a slowing metabolism. However, wine can further complicate weight management. A standard glass of wine contains around 120-130 calories, and those empty calories can quickly add up if consumed regularly.

Beyond the calories, alcohol affects how your body metabolizes fat. When you drink, your body prioritizes breaking down alcohol over other nutrients, including fat—a process known as fat-sparing.

This means your body is less efficient at burning fat while metabolizing alcohol. For menopausal women already facing weight gain due to hormone shifts, regular alcohol consumption can make weight loss even more challenging.

Additionally, alcohol raises cortisol levels, a stress hormone linked to fat storage, particularly around the midsection.

How to Manage Menopausal Symptoms with Lifestyle Changes

If you suspect that your nightly glass of wine is contributing to hot flashes and weight gain, here are some practical steps you can take:

1. Reduce Alcohol Intake: Consider cutting back on how much and how often you drink wine. Start by reducing your consumption to a few times a week instead of nightly. Remember it takes 72hrs to get rid of the amount of calories consumed in a glass of wine.
   

2. Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to help manage hot flashes and support your metabolism.

3. Healthy Alternatives: Opt for non-alcoholic beverages that can provide a relaxing experience without the negative side effects. Herbal teas, sparkling water with a splash of juice, or mocktails are excellent choices.

4. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a diary of your symptoms and your wine consumption. This can help you identify patterns and determine if reducing alcohol intake improves your hot flashes and weight management.

5. Consult a Professional: Speak with a women's hormone specialist healthcare provider about your symptoms and your alcohol consumption. They can provide personalized advice and support.

Take the Next Step in Your Menopause Journey

At Tilmacare, we specialize in helping women navigate the challenges of menopause through personalized care. If you're struggling with hot flashes, weight gain, or other menopause-related symptoms and feel that lifestyle changes haven’t been enough, we’re here to provide expert support. Our hormone balance programs and functional medicine approach ensure that you get the comprehensive care you need to feel your best.

Book a consultation today to start your journey to better health with Tilmacare.