The consumption of alcoholic beverages is linked to serious health problems in both women and men. Women, however, are 50 to 100 percent more likely to die from alcohol-related health problems, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), possibly because women's bodies break down alcohol slower than men's bodies. Women who drink more than one glass of alcohol a day are considered heavy drinkers by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; however, even mild alcohol consumption can lead to alcohol-related health problems.
Brain Impairment
Alcohol consumption decreases the size of the brain and inhibits normal brain function, leading to memory impairment, behavioral impairments and brain damage. Some scientific studies suggest women experience more brain shrinkage than men, yet other studies suggest the exact opposite, with men experiencing greater brain shrinkage. The discrepancy in the studies is most likely due to the limited scientific research conducted on women alcoholics, claims Sheila Blume, M.D., chair of American Psychological Association's Committee on Treatment Services. Future research is needed to fully understand the effects of alcohol on the female brain.
Heart
Although moderate drinking is thought to lower the risk of heart disease in women over 55 years old, it actually increases the risk of heart disease when consumed in more than moderate levels---more than one glass a day. Alcohol-related heart disease is more common in women despite the fact that men drink more alcohol on average, according to the NIAAA.
Liver
Approximately 15 to 20 percent of alcoholics develop liver disease, estimates the American College of Gastroenterology, with a larger portion of that percentage being women. Women are more likely to develop liver disease than their male counterparts, even if women consume less alcohol. The exact reason for the gender discrepancy in alcohol-related liver disease is unknown, but is possibly linked to the fact that women produce less of the alcohol dehydrogenase enzyme, which breaks down alcohol in the blood stream. Females also have less water and more fat in their bodies, which decreases their ability to eliminate alcohol.
Reproductive System
Even mild alcohol consumption, less than one glass a day, negatively effects the female reproductive system. Alcohol consumption temporarily reduces estrogen production and increases testosterone production in pre-pubescent and menstruating women. Estrogen production is reduced for as long as two weeks after moderate alcohol consumption according to the NIAAA. The hormone disruption caused by alcohol also has the potential to delay puberty in pre-pubescent females.
The normal ovulation cycle of menstruating women can be affected by even mild alcohol consumption, causing missed periods, irregular ovulation and temporary infertility.
Alcohol consumption does affect hormone production in post-menopausal women as well, but more research needs to be conducted to understand exactly how. Post-menopausal women who consume alcohol are more prone to developing osteoporosis, since alcohol weakens bones.
Cancer
Alcohol consumption increases a woman's risk of developing breast, neck, mouth, head, liver and digestive cancers. According to the American Cancer Society, "women who have one alcoholic drink a day have an increased chance of developing certain cancers," and the risks increase with increased consumption of alcohol.
References
- National Institue on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: Alcohol - A Women's Health Issue
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Alcohol
- "Psychiatric News"; Gender Specific Differences Found in Alcoholic Subjects; American Psychiatric Association; vol. 26, no. 7; April 6, 2001
- American College of Gastroenterology: Alcoholic Liver Disease
- NIAAA: Alcohol's Effects on Female Reproductive Function
