11/10/2025
🍷 If the holidays have you pouring more than just love, this one’s for you.
Put your wine-tasting card on “pause” for a moment. Here’s how alcohol “ACTUALLY” hits different after 40 for women, and how to protect your changing hormones so you can make informed decisions this holiday season.
🥱Poor Workout Recovery
🐡Puffiness and GI upsets
🥴Low Energy and Sleep Quality
💨Uncomfortable Body Composisiton Changes
🥵Hot Flushes & Night Sweats
Drinking alcohol over 40, even a little bit, can exacerbate these symptoms of hormone fluctuations in perimenopause and beyond………here’s why time is not on your side.
➡️Less 💧 volume in the body=higher alcohol concentration in smaller amounts
➡️Alcohol suppresses deep sleep and REM
Estrogen and Progesterone fluctuations spike cortisol and 2am wakings causing increased mood swings and sugar cravings the next day
➡️Alcohol consumption (even “moderate amounts”) increases insulin resistance which results in rising inflammation and collecting body fat around the midsection
➡️Alcohol has a stronger neurotoxic🧠 effect in women over 40 resulting in earlier cognitive decline, memory changes, and brain fog….as well as higher stress impact on the brain itself.
➡️Higher Cancer Risks…..
➡️Weaker Bones…🩼
There are some strategies to experiment with that may lessen the effects of consuming alcohol this holiday season on your changing hormones. Of course, it needs to be said that the best effect would be to not consume it. .
1. Hydrate before you celebrate
Drink a full glass of water before every cocktail and match each drink with another glass. (Dehydration magnifies 🩸blood sugar swings and headaches.)
2. Never drink on an empty stomach
Have a protein + fiber snack first — like hummus and veggies, or a handful of nuts. This steadies blood sugar and slows alcohol absorption.
3. Set a two-drink max early
Decide your limit before the event so you stay mindful instead of social-pressure reactive.
4. Space your sips
Alternate between a mocktail and a cocktail. Your liver (and sleep) will thank you.
5. Support your detox pathways
Get morning sunlight, move daily, and prioritize magnesium-rich foods (leafy greens, pumpkin seeds) to help your liver and nervous system recover.
Cheers to a healthy holiday season!
Please share with a friend, and leave a 🙌 below if you found this helpful!
🧡Jessica