Is it bad to drink alcohol when I have my period? Could I do it without problem?

Period is a time of the month when many women experience discomfort and pain. Because of this, it is common to look for ways to alleviate these symptoms. However, the question arises: Is it bad to drink alcohol when I have my period? In this article, we will explore the effects of alcohol during your period and whether it is safe to drink alcohol during this phase of the menstrual cycle.

Before getting into the details, it is important to understand how the menstrual cycle works. During the cycle, hormone levels fluctuate, causing physical and emotional changes. If you have also wondered why you have constipation during your cycle, take a look at the experts' opinion .

In the days before your period, progesterone levels decrease, which can cause several symptoms that we will describe later.

Phases of the menstrual cycle

To better understand how alcohol can affect menstruation, it is useful to review the different phases of the menstrual cycle:

• Menstrual Phase: This is the phase in which estrogen and progesterone levels decrease.
• Follicular Phase: In this phase, the period ends and estrogen levels begin to increase.
• Ovulatory Phase: This phase occurs just before the onset of PMS, when estrogen levels are at their highest.
• Luteal Phase: During this phase, symptoms of premenstrual syndrome may be experienced, such as fatigue, increased body temperature, among others.

Can I drink alcohol or not when I have my period?

There is no single answer to this question, as the effects of alcohol during your period can vary from person to person.

Some women can drink alcohol without experiencing any negative effects, while others may feel more uncomfortable or experience unpleasant side effects.

Alcohol is a substance that can affect the body's hormonal balance, especially when consumed in excess.

Drinking alcohol during your period can exacerbate premenstrual symptoms, such as cramps and bloating.

Additionally, alcohol can also increase menstrual flow, which can result in increased discomfort and discomfort.

Although its consumption during your period cannot be dangerous, it is important to pay attention to how your body feels.

• You may be interested in: 25 things you should never do during your menstrual period

If you experience severe premenstrual symptoms, such as severe abdominal pain, nausea, or fatigue, you may want to avoid alcohol altogether.

Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that drinking alcohol can interact with certain medications used to treat period symptoms.

For example, some pain relievers can increase the risk of liver damage when combined with alcohol. If you are taking medications to relieve premenstrual symptoms, it is important to talk to your doctor.

So, is it possible to consume alcohol during menstruation?

Essentially, yes, it is possible to consume alcohol during menstruation. There is no rule against it, but it is important to remember that hormones fluctuate week to week throughout the menstrual cycle.

Therefore, it might be beneficial to plan your alcohol consumption taking these fluctuations into account.

It is important to be aware of the risks and possible effects of alcohol on the body during this phase of the menstrual cycle.

Does drinking alcohol during menstruation carry risks for my health?

Drinking alcohol moderately during menstruation does not carry significant risks to your health.

Alcohol consumption is unlikely to have a serious impact on your menstrual cycle, no matter when you choose to enjoy an alcoholic beverage. However, it is advisable to consider that drinking at different stages of your cycle can have varying effects on your body.

Just as you would adjust your skin care routine based on your menstrual phases, it may also be helpful to improve your alcohol consumption habits throughout your menstrual cycle.

What are the effects of drinking alcohol during your period?

There are several ways in which alcohol consumption can affect menstruation or other stages of the menstrual cycle. The most common effects are detailed below:

Irregularity

Alcohol can temporarily increase levels of testosterone and estrogen, which are hormones essential for ovulation. These hormonal fluctuations can cause irregular or even absent periods, usually when alcohol is consumed in large quantities.

Period pains

Cramping is a common symptom during the menstrual phase of the cycle, and dehydration from alcohol can make it worse. Therefore, if you decide to drink alcohol during your period, make sure to stay well hydrated.

Cravings

If you experience cravings during PMS, you know that hunger during menstruation is real. Part of the reason you may feel hungrier and crave certain foods during PMS is due to dehydration. Alcohol can also dehydrate your body, making cravings worse.

Fatigue

The luteal and menstrual phases of the cycle can make you feel very tired. Alcohol is a depressant, meaning it can flatten your nervous system. Additionally, many alcoholic beverages contain high levels of sugar, which can contribute to tiredness.

Humor changes

Drinking alcohol during the luteal phase could significantly affect your mood. You will probably enjoy alcoholic beverages much more during this phase, but as a result, you may feel more pronounced sadness.

Fertility

Although it is not clear how or why alcohol affects fertility, according to Anthony Rutherford, a specialist in reproductive medicine and president of the British Fertility Society, even moderate alcohol consumption can reduce the chances of conception.

When should you drink alcohol during your menstrual cycle?

Unfortunately, there is no magic pill to increase your resistance to alcohol or free you from its side effects. If you find that drinking during or just before your period, in the luteal phase, worsens your symptoms, it may be best to limit yourself to non-alcoholic beverages during these phases of your cycle.

Alcohol can make period pains more intense and longer because it dilates blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can increase the sensation of pain.

Additionally, it can also cause cramps in the uterus and increase breast tenderness, which can worsen premenstrual symptoms. Look at its possible effects:

Alcohol can make period pains more intense and longer because it dilates blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can increase the sensation of pain.

Additionally, it can also cause cramps in the uterus and increase breast tenderness, which can worsen premenstrual symptoms. Look at its possible effects:

in the hormones

Alcohol consumption can affect the body's hormonal balance, which can disrupt the menstrual cycle.

In body hydration

Menstruation in itself can cause a loss of fluids in the body, and alcohol can worsen this situation. Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it increases urine production and can cause dehydration. Poor hydration can worsen menstrual symptoms, such as headaches and fatigue. Learn the details of headaches during menstruation here .

About sexual health

It can decrease vaginal lubrication, which can make intercourse uncomfortable or painful. Additionally, alcohol can affect women's ability to achieve orgasm and decrease libido.

In the mood

Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, meaning it can decrease women's ability to regulate their mood and can worsen symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Tips for drinking alcohol during your period

• Drink plenty of water: Alcohol can dehydrate you, especially during the luteal phase, and water is exactly what your body is looking for.
• Avoid caffeine: Caffeine is an inflammatory substance that could exacerbate PMS symptoms if you've been drinking during your period.
• Eat well: Add foods rich in a variety of vitamins to your meals to help with menstrual cramps.
• Get plenty of sleep: Schedule a later night's sleep or go to bed early after all the fun, your body will thank you.

Other recommendations

In general, it is recommended to avoid excessive alcohol consumption during your period because alcohol can increase the intensity of premenstrual symptoms such as cramps, bloating and headache.

If you decide to drink alcohol during your period, it is important to do so in moderation and pay attention to how you feel. If you start to feel uncomfortable or if your premenstrual symptoms get worse, you may want to consider reducing the amount or avoiding it altogether.

It should be noted that some women believe that drinking a glass of wine or a beer during their period helps them relax and reduce symptoms, others believe that drinking it during their period can worsen symptoms and have negative effects on their health.

If you have questions or concerns about drinking alcohol during your period, it is advisable to speak with your doctor for more information and personalized guidance.

These articles may interest you:

• 10 reasons why menstruation may be delayed, according to experts
• Why does women's mood change during menstruation?
• What things are recommended to eat and what are not recommended when a woman has her period?
• What is the rhythm method for menstruation and how does it work?

Frequent questions

Can drinking alcohol delay my period?