Alcohol and Menopause: Should You Quit Drinking or Cut Back?

What does alcohol actually do to your body during perimenopause and menopause? And is quitting completely the only answer? In this episode, Jacquie sits down with holistic health consultant and Branch Out Wellness founder Laura Bradburn for an honest conversation about alcohol, menopause, hormones, energy, sleep, and long term health. After experimenting with drinking less herself, Jacquie shares what changed, what surprised her, and why the conversation around alcohol feels different in midlife than it did in earlier decades. Together they explore: • How alcohol affects women differently during perimenopause and menopause • The connection between alcohol, hormones, sleep, energy, and weight gain • What recent health research says about alcohol consumption • Whether moderation is realistic or if abstinence is the better choice • Why so many women use alcohol to cope with stress, overwhelm, and social pressure • Alternatives for women who want to reduce their drinking without feeling deprived This is not a conversation about perfection. It's a practical discussion about making informed choices, understanding risk, and finding an approach that works for your life. If you've ever wondered whether your nightly glass of wine is helping or hurting your health, this episode is for you.