Can We Drink Alcohol During Periods ? Is It Good/Bad?
We all like to let our hair down every now and then, and what’s better than gulping down some of those exotic cocktails! While doing it occasionally is fine, there could be times when you overdo it and feel your menstrual cycle has gone haywire, isn’t it? Though studies do not show the direct impact of alcohol on menstruation, those boozy drinks could throw a few of the bodily functions off track in general.
Alcohol v/s Periods
When you consume alcohol even in moderate quantities, your estrogen, testosterone, and lutenising hormones are affected. Both estrogen and lutenising hormone are essential for ovulation to take place in a proper manner. If these hormones are affected, there’s a high chance of menstruation going off track.
When you consume alcohol, your body releases histamine, which has several important functions. In case histamine is secreted in large quantities, it could be a problem! While it influences the ovaries to release estrogen, it is not a very positive sign if the levels are not in control. Fluctuations in estrogen levels are essential for ovulation to happen, but if these do not happen, your monthly cycle will start to show signs. For a more regular cycle, try and limit histamine-rich foods, such as cured meats, dairy products, and of course, alcohol.
Can Alcohol Affect Your Period ?
As we all know, menstruation is all about a play of hormones! When your period starts, estrogen levels are particularly low – this is the first half of the menstrual cycle. Your body then starts to build up estrogen, assuming that you are going to get pregnant. Ovulation takes place in the middle of the cycle, which means around Day 14 of the 28-day cycle. During the second half of the cycle, the levels of progesterone and estrogen in the body witness a rise. This is because your body prepares to receive a fertilised egg. Assuming you do not get pregnant, your hormones drop once again and then you have your period.
In most cases, irregularities in the menstrual cycle are not directly related to alcohol consumption but have an indirect influence. This is more so due to something like liver damage! Alcohol is processed by your liver, and if you drink in large quantities, you could suffer from liver damage. Liver is important for several functions in the body, including breaking down excess hormones. If your liver is under stress due to poor diet and lifestyle habits, the function becomes impaired and your hormone levels could rise.
That’s not all, alcohol also affects the release of a hormone called the anti-diuretic hormone (ADH), which stops the kidneys from reabsorbing water. In this case, you start to produce more urine, that ends in dehydration. When you become dehydrated, your blood thickens, and this has an impact on menstruation. You might skip periods, or you could suffer from severe stomach cramps and headaches. You could also feel devoid of energy and be lethargic all the time!
Can we drink alcohol during periods ?
To have regular periods, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, which includes eating healthy food and a consistent exercise regime. Besides, a good sleep cycle is as important when it comes to the body functioning properly! We’ve all heard time and again – you are what you eat! While several people think of this as a myth, it isn’t. When you consume healthy food, your body receives all the nutrients that are essential for regulating significant functions. In fact, eating processed food and sugary items can affect the menstrual cycle, and bring with it some lifestyle diseases too!
Consuming healthy food isn’t enough, you also need to move your body as much as you can! Make conscious efforts to fit in exercise into your daily regime, and your ovaries are going to be in perfect order! Try taking the stairs instead of the elevator at work, or walk to someone’s desk instead of sending an e-mail. In a nutshell, stay as active as you can!
Lastly, get proper snooze time too! It is important for your physical and mental health, and also regulates important functions in the body.
It is essential to follow these healthy lifestyle tips for your menstrual cycle to be in perfect order. Believe us, your ovaries are going to thank you!
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