Is Alcohol Making Your Menopause Symptoms Worse?

Episode OverviewIf you've been reaching for a glass of wine or a G&T at the end of a long day, you're not alone — and you're not being judged. But if you're navigating perimenopause or menopause, it's worth asking: is alcohol actually helping, or is it quietly making your symptoms worse?In this episode, Roberta Bass explores the connection between alcohol and menopause symptoms, why so many women use it as a coping strategy, and — most importantly — what to try instead.What You'll LearnHow alcohol affects key menopause symptoms including hot flushes, anxiety, sleep and brain fogWhy alcohol feels relaxing short-term — and what it's actually doing long-termThe difference between social drinking and using alcohol as a coping strategyPractical, realistic ways to reduce your intake without feeling deprivedHealthier alternatives that give you the same relaxation and me-time benefitsSigns that alcohol use may need professional supportSleep strategies to replace the nightcap habitKey TakeawaysAlcohol worsens hot flushes — there is evidence to show thisEven if alcohol helps you fall asleep, it reduces sleep quality and increases night wakingPoor sleep makes brain fog, anxiety and emotional wellbeing significantly worseDrinking every evening to relax is a pattern worth examining — not a personal failingSmall reductions (choosing one drink instead of two, making a G&T weaker) can make a real difference0% alternatives, mocktails and longer mixer drinks can preserve the social ritual without the hormonal impactWho This Episode Is ForThis episode is for women in perimenopause or menopause who:Find themselves drinking most evenings to wind downWake up after drinking feeling unrefreshed or more anxiousUse alcohol to manage stress or help get to sleepWant to reduce their intake but aren't sure how to replace the habitAre wondering whether alcohol could be making their symptoms worseResources MentionedFree Menopause Masterclass — understand your symptoms and start making lifestyle changes (link below)Previous sleep episodes — Setting the stage for sleep- A Menopause night time routineThe Science of Sleep: How Hormones, Menopause & Lifestyle Affect Your RestSend us Fan Mailwww.thriveandshinewomenswellness.co.ukFree Masterclass: Is Perimenopause Causing Your Symptoms? → Click here to watchSupporting women’s health transitions with physiotherapy, menopause mentoring, Pilates and subconscious mindset tools.Follow, subscribe and share the Making Sense of Menopause podcast to help more women access the support they deserve.