Hot Flash: Alcohol and Menopause

Menopause during the pandemic has been its own special hell. COVID is a depressing and anxiety filled time for everyone, hormones are all over the place, and much like the entry into adolescence, my body is changing from all directions.

During COVID I rationed myself two bottles of wine per week, exactly what the French soldiers got in WWII. Sometimes I drank more, but I rarely drank less. In preparation for an upcoming dance recital, I have gone into full beast mode which means cutting way back on alcohol, one or two drinks a week.

I’m half asian and drinking anything with alcohol makes me red because my genetics lack the proper enzymes to metabolize the toxins in alcohol. My body’s histamine reaction to this “foreign substance” increases internal inflammation which can eventually contribute to balance problems, muscle weakness, joint pain/stiffness and Arteriosclerosis as well as put excess stress on the liver and other internal organs.

So add this to what’s already happening in menopause. Estrogen reduces inflammation, protecting joints. As estrogen decreases during menopause, internal inflammation increases, contributing to the risk of osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. More joint pain, how rude.

When it comes to skin, alcohol intake ages our bodies internally, depleting our Vitamin A levels which normally help equalize oil production, promote healthy collagen/elastin formation, speed up healing, prevent breakouts, and support skin's immune system.

Alcohol is dehydrating, making it an enemy of clear complexions. Skin loses elasticity when it lacks hydration, making wrinkles more visible. Dehydration induced puffiness is guaranteed, not to mention excess sugar in some alcohols and mixed drinks create hormonal imbalances leading to acne along the chin and jawline.

Menopausal skin is already all over the place, drier here, oilier there, losing elasticity through hormonal changes. We’re already dehydrated from sweaty hot flashes that often disrupt our sleep cycles. Alcohol also causes poor sleep which can enhance dark circles and puffiness under the eyes. Under eye circles can darken from dehydration as well as stress on the liver. So much overlap.

Due to my alcohol allergy, I didn’t really drink until my 30’s. I started drinking wine when I turned forty, which is basically when I started peri menopause. My taste buds changed and suddenly I enjoyed champagne. My drinking style was bon vivant. It became my midlife hobby, I took champagne classes and toasted friends with bubbles as often as possible.

So I’m eight years into this menopause transformation, did you know it takes up to 10? And I’m making some changes. This is a no judgement blog space, just a recording of observations from a skin care professional. I feel fortunate I can adapt my alcohol intake. I’ll keep you posted.

Drink your water and get some sleep. Love, Sherry

Sherry Okamura Licensed Esthetician, Salon Director Urbaca Salon