How Does Alcohol Affect Your Period?

One common question that many women ask is, “Can alcohol affect your period?” Drinking alcohol affects the body in different ways for men and women. The extent of the effects does vary based on the amount drunk, frequency, and duration. 

For binge drinkers, heavy drinkers, and those with alcohol use disorders (AUDs), the effects can be more pronounced. Learning more about how alcohol affects your period can help you make informed decisions and determine when you may need help to quit drinking.   

Can You Drink Alcohol While on Your Period?

You can drink alcohol while on your period but should drink in moderation. Excessive and binge drinking can lead to undesirable effects. According to the CDC, moderate drinking for women is considered one drink or less per day. 

Does Alcohol Affect Your Period?

Alcohol can affect your period in different ways depending on the amount drank because it affects hormonal levels as follows:

• Drinking increases testosterone and estrogen levels
• Drinking interrupts the release of LH (luteinizing hormone), responsible for triggering ovulation
• Drinking reduces progesterone levels

How Long Can Alcohol Delay Your Period?

Alcohol can alter the frequency and when your period starts. For some women, the delay can be a few days, while for others, it could be several weeks. The delay is influenced by factors such as the amount you drank, how often you drink, and your overall health and metabolism. Some women may not notice any change in their period cycle but can still experience the other effects of drinking.  

Can Alcohol Make Your Period Come Early?

Alcohol can make your period come early due to the hormonal imbalances caused by drinking. These changes determine when your period will start, how heavy it is, and how long it lasts. You could also experience an early period one month and a later period the following month, depending on how much you drink.  

Does Alcohol Make Your Periods Heavier?

Alcohol can make your periods heavier because it increases estrogen levels. Estrogen is responsible for growing new endometrial tissue, the lining of the uterus that is shed during menstruation. Alcohol is also a blood thinner. As a result, your period could be heavier, and you could experience more bleeding. 

Can Alcohol Make Cramps Worse?

Regular alcohol use can cause dehydration when you binge drink or drink excessively. Alcohol can also make you feel bloated more often. Alcohol affects the lipids called prostaglandins, which are responsible for blood flow and inflammation. 

During your period, they are responsible for helping shed the uterine lining and growing new tissue by causing the uterine muscles to contract. Excessive alcohol use causes the prostaglandins to trigger the uterine lining to contract more frequently and more intensely, which can lead to severe cramping. 

Can Alcohol Stop Your Period?

Alcohol can stop your period when you binge drink or regularly drink excessively because it affects the levels of estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone. The changes in hormone levels can cause your period to stop entirely. Even when your period stops, you can still experience these other side effects of drinking:

• Sleep disturbances
• Frequent mood swings
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Changes in libido
• Changes in weight
• Increased risk of breast cancer
• Increased risk of bone density loss
• Increased risk of alcohol use disorder (AUD)

Signs You Are a Binge Drinker

Binge drinking is when you drink a large amount of alcohol in a short period. For women, this typically means drinking four or more drinks in less than two hours. Other signs that indicate you could have a binge drinking problem include:

• You drink more than you had planned on
• You cannot stop drinking once you start
• You experience blackouts
• You engage in risky behaviors, such as unprotected sex
• You make impulsive decisions while under the influence of alcohol
• You experience frequent hangovers and other alcohol withdrawal symptoms after drinking
• You feel ashamed or guilty once you sober up because you drank so much

 Prolonged binge drinking not only can affect your period but can also lead to increased tolerance, dependence, and addiction to alcohol. 

Effects of Prolonged Drinking on a Woman’s Reproductive System

Prolonged drinking can have significant impacts on a woman’s reproductive system that could have long-term consequences the longer one struggles with binge drinking, excessive drinking, and alcohol addiction, such as:

• Irregular or infrequent periods
• Infertility
• Painful periods
• Excessive bleeding during periods
• Increased risk of miscarriage
• Hormonal imbalances
• Early menopause
• Inability to experience sexual pleasure

Signs of Alcohol Use Disorder in Women

Alcohol use disorder does not discriminate between men and women. Some of the common signs women need to be aware of that could indicate they have AUD are:

• Cravings to drink
• Looking forward to drinking to relieve stress or anxiety
• Developing mental health disorders like depression and anxiety
• Less affectionate and caring
• Relationship issues
• Continued drinking regardless of any negative consequences
• Trying to hide drinking from family and friends
• Drinking at inappropriate times
• Drinking to stop alcohol withdrawal symptoms
• Increased risk-taking behaviors

Contact Phoenix Rising Recovery If You Need Help Quitting Alcohol

Phoenix Rising Recovery offers comprehensive and personalized alcohol treatment programs tailored to the specific needs of women. We provide several levels of care based on the extent of your alcohol use and addiction. All of our treatment programs start with medically supervised alcohol detox to help you safely get through alcohol withdrawal. Contact us today to take the first steps to a brighter, healthier, alcohol-free future. 

Published: 3/20/2025