How does alcohol affect your cycle?

Unfortunately, there is no clear answer to the question of whether alcohol really has a direct influence on cycle health, because here, as in many other areas, the results from research seem to be somewhat contradictory. In some studies a connection between the consumption of alcohol and cycle irregularities could be determined. However, this could be observed primarily with chronic consumption of high quantities of alcohol. In the case of moderate alcohol consumption, no significant changes in the menstrual cycle could be observed. In any case, it should be noted that alcohol affects the entire hormonal system and that the consumption of alcohol does not come with any health benefits. In women who chronically consume high amounts of alcohol, many different types of cycle disorders can occur. For example:

• missing periods (for 3+ months).
• irregular cycles
• failure to ovulate (which, in turn, leads to missing periods)

Heavy alcohol consumption can result in changes and shifts in ovulation, cycle regulation, and ovarian reserve. If there is a wish to conceive, alcohol consumption also reduces the chance of falling pregnant. The extent to which alcohol affects the likelihood of pregnancy depends on the amount consumed and at what time in the cycle the alcohol is consumed. If alcohol is consumed during ovulation and in the second half of the cycle, the probability of fertilization is reduced by 44%. A study has shown that even small amounts of alcohol can have this effect. Heavy alcohol consumption during ovulation and in the second half of the cycle decreased the probability of conception by 61%. In the study, moderate alcohol consumption was defined as having three to six alcoholic drinks per week. Heavy alcohol consumption was defined as having more than six alcoholic drinks per week.

In addition to changes in ovulation, cycle regulation, and ovarian reserve, alcohol consumption may also hinder the implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterus. This leads to an increased risk of premature pregnancy loss or resorption – before you even realize you’re pregnant.

Alcohol affects everyone differently, but there is no question that alcohol negatively impacts efforts to conceive and poses a significant risk to the fetus from the moment of conception. Harm can begin immediately after fertilization and can damage or even destroy the fertilized egg. For this reason, it is advisable to avoid alcohol in any amount at any time in your cycle if you wish to increase the likelihood of a healthy conception.

If you suffer from mood swings before your period, you should avoid alcohol if possible – because consuming alcohol can trigger mood swings and increase PMS symptoms. During your period, this effect is amplified: both your period and alcohol alter your estrogen levels. When the two coincide, your emotions can seemingly get completely out of control.

Moderate alcohol consumption is unlikely to permanently harm or affect your cycle. However, alcohol consumption can affect your period itself. Alcohol before or during your period can make your period longer, shorter, or more irregular.

Drinking alcohol can temporarily increase testosterone and estrogen. The hormonal fluctuations can lead to irregular or missed periods – because ovulation is postponed beforehand or fails to occur completely. Normally, this should only be the case with high alcohol consumption, but it should be noted that alcohol affects each body differently.