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Peri-Menopause and Alcoholism

Both friends and patients have told me that they’re worried about the amount of alcohol they’re drinking as they move through perimenopause. Most don’t think of themselves as having a long-term alcohol addiction, at least not a serious one, but they do notice that the cravings for alcohol getting stronger with the hormone changes.

Peri-menopause and alcoholism isn’t something we talk about very much. Many women struggle to admit to themselves that they have a problem, let alone talk about it with anyone else. So in keeping with our Scorpio themes of escapism and addiction this month, we’re going to talk about it here.

What is Peri-Menopause?

Let’s start at the very beginning by explaining that peri-menopause is a huge transformation on every level. It’s the lead up to menopause, which marks the first anniversary of the last period. There are lots of positives that come with menopause, but the symptoms can be hard to live with particularly when we don’t understand what’s going on. Each woman experiences this transition in her own way, and whilst some find it relatively easy, others notice a huge impact on their lives. Fluctuating hormone levels can drastically change the way the body and brain work, leaving women feeling confused and out of control. Symptoms like brain fog, memory loss and fatigue can cause loss of confidence, particularly at work. Some women even reach the point where they have to quit their career, or close their business because they simply can’t function anymore, leading to more financial strain. At home, partnerships can be affected by feelings of isolation, loss of libido, or vaginal dryness, and hormonal mums of hormonal teens can have a particularly challenging time.

Menopause and Alcoholism

Given what we currently know, peri-menopause hormone changes don’t cause alcoholism, but they can worsen an addiction that was already there. Many women become aware that they’re drinking more than usual and feel very worried about it.

What Causes Alcoholism?

There are lots of reasons why people become dependent on alcohol, and often there’s a combination of causes in each person. A significant proportion (between 40-60%) of alcoholics are thought to have a genetic predisposition, and it’s known that having the genetic anomaly pyroluria is common in alcoholics. Someone who grew up in a household where elder relatives drank heavily have both the genetic aspects and the early conditioning to contend with. They will have seen adults using alcohol as a coping mechanism from a young age and that stays with them into adulthood. Childhood trauma, stress and exposure to alcohol in childhood can all increase the risk of alcohol addiction later in life. The younger the child when this first started, the more difficult it can be to heal from.

Genetics also influence the way in which our bodies react to alcohol. Some find the effects pleasurable and others can barely tolerate it at all, making them less likely to become addicted.

Mental health disorders like depression can lead some to lean on alcohol as a means of escape, although the effects are obviously short lived. The same applies to those who struggle to cope with life in general.

Why Can Alcoholism Worsen During Peri-menopause?

There are a number of reasons why this can happen. If a woman’s peri-menopause symptoms are impacting her health, career, family life or friendships, escapism via alcohol can offer some temporary relief. Of course, it is only temporary, so if there are no other coping mechanisms in place, the risk of returning to drink again and again is high.

It’s not just the physical symptoms that can worsen alcoholism during peri-menopause.  As we reach the end of our reproductive phase, many of us can’t help but reflect on our life so far, and our hopes for the future. Some women find themselves grieving for babies they were never able to have. Marriages can breaand grown up children may leave home. Trauma that the hormones locked away during adolescence starts to resurface again, triggering depression, anxiety, insomnia and mood swings. That’s because hormone changes in peri-menopause are like those that happen in puberty, just the opposite way around. The problem with that is that most women aren’t aware that this is what’s going on, and suffer with very severe symptoms without any warning, or knowing what to do about them. Alcohol can seem a quick and inexpensive fix when this happens.

The Effects Of Alcohol During Peri-menopause

The calming effects of alcohol on the brain can feel stronger during peri-menopause than at any other time too, so less alcohol is needed to get the same effect. Often becoming more intolerant to alcohol can be a first sign that peri-menopause is coming, and hangovers which last 2-3 days can be enough to make many women give it up altogether. Alcohol can aggravate a wide range of peri-menopause symptoms and many therapists recommend taking a break from it mainly for that reason.

Treatments for Alcoholism During Peri-menopause

Some women might well have already received treatment for alcoholism before ever reaching peri-menopause. It’s notoriously difficult to treat, but I have known people to fully recover from alcohol and drug addiction, and go on to help others do the same.

I have met several people over the years who have found 12 step programmes such as the one used by Alcoholics Anonymous really helpful.

Firstly though, it helps to understand where the alcohol addiction is coming from in the first place, and the same applies to all other kinds of addiction too. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a substance, or gambling, sex, or social media, the key is to observe what you’re getting from the addiction. Often it comes down to escapism – the addiction gives us a short break from thinking about past unresolved wounds. Even those of us who’ve been fortunate enough to have a well-balanced start to life can carry trauma. We can even be born carrying trauma from at least two generations back, because the egg that created you was formed in your grandmother. If she was carrying her own trauma, or traumatised around conception & pregnancy, that will have imprinted onto your DNA. Generational trauma has been talked about for millenia and there are references to it in the Bible, but it’s being studied more now and becoming better understood. Astrology is a great way to get insight both into how you deal with emotions, and what you were carrying from your ancestors when you were born. By working on your own issues, you’re also helping the future generations.

Once you understand what you’re getting from the alcohol, you can look for other ways to fulfil that need and give you more lasting relief, and no hangover. For example, if you love the peace of mind that you get from alcohol, perhaps you could start with a meditation class to access the well of peace you already have inside you. It may not be enough on its own, but meditation has so many health benefits and will help to calm your mind. If you’re an active, fiery person you’ll find it easier to do some vigorous exercise before you sit to meditate, but either way, it’s always much easier to work with a teacher when you first start.

Then there’s therapy. Advanced Hypnotherapy is the fastest and most profound way I know to overcome addictions, because it addresses the root causes of the problem very quickly. You could also look into EMDR, or talking therapies with a therapist specialising in alcoholism.

Nutrition wise, it’s important to eat as well as possible. As it costs the liver antioxidants every time it detoxifies alcohol, you need plenty of liver-loving foods and herbs like:

Foods rich in B vitamins like:

  • meat, offal, fish,
  • nuts, seeds,
  • lentils
  • wholegrains
  • dairy & eggs

are vital, as well as supplementing additional B complex and vitamin B1.

My own approach to alcoholism in menopause is to combine herbal treatment with advanced hypnotherapy. Whilst the advanced hypnotherapy allows us to explore the psychological and emotional causes of the alcohol addiction, the herbs help the body to readjust physically.  As well as liver herbs, I use nervines which help to calm the nervous system, and adaptogens which help the body out of its stress response. We also explore the menopause transition because we each experience it differently, and there’s usually a mix of emotions around it.

What I do notice with alcoholism in menopause, is that the woman really doesn’t like herself. Even in functioning alcoholics working in high powered jobs, all is not what it seems. Often they’re masking a deep hurt, and have virtually no self-esteem. That can make any treatment difficult, because in not liking themselves they can lack the motivation needed to commit. Undergoing therapy requires a threshold level of bravery at the best of times, and especially if someone’s had major trauma in their past, it’s understandable that they might prefer to stay as they are.

And yet, there are women who’ve endured the most unimaginable suffering, and still recovered from their addiction. I think Astrology is a great tool for helping each of us to understand ourselves: the loveable and less loveable parts of our personality. It helps us to understand our early life, what we find easy and difficult and the stronger traits which we can leverage to our advantage. It also gives insight into our major themes for this lifetime, and how best to lean into them. If you’d like to find out more about your own astrological profile, please get in touch.

Where to get More Help

You can find out more about Menopause Hypnotherapy, and how it can help with alcohol addiction here.

Or click here to book a free call with me, and let’s explore your other treatment options together.

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