Is it bad to drink on your period?

Written by Brandon Okey. Mina Draskovic, B.Psy., reviewed this content for accuracy.

Many women reach for a glass of red wine to ease menstrual cramps or calm nerves during their period, but this common practice may do more harm than good. Drinking during your period can worsen your menstrual symptoms, intensify cramps, increase blood flow, and disrupt your already fluctuating hormone levels.

For women’s reproductive and sexual health overall, regular alcohol consumption disrupts estrogen production, impairs fertility, and increases the risk of irregular periods.

Alcohol’s grip on women’s lives goes deeper than addiction—it’s intertwined with hormones, relationships, and daily pressures. Our women’s rehab center doesn’t just treat symptoms; we help you restore your body’s natural balance and rebuild your strength in a space designed specifically for women in recovery.

Why you should not drink alcohol on your period

Alcohol takes a heavier toll on women’s bodies than men’s. Scientists have discovered differences between men and women in metabolism, body composition, and hormonal patterns that influence how alcohol affects them. Here are the main differences:

Women have less body water and more body fat than men, so alcohol becomes more concentrated in their bloodstream. Women’s blood alcohol levels rise faster and stay elevated longer than men’s, leading to quicker intoxication and prolonged exposure to harmful effects.
Women’s brains have different anatomy, neurochemistry, and function than men’s. In women, alcohol causes more severe brain damage and inflammation during alcohol withdrawal.
Women’s stress and immune responses differ. They experience more intense inflammatory responses to alcohol, particularly in the liver, speeding up organ damage despite drinking for shorter periods and consuming less alcohol than men. This phenomenon is often called “telescoping” and describes the rapid progression from casual drinking to addiction in women.

If you’re drinking during menstruation, the effects become even more pronounced because your body is already managing complex hormonal changes and increased inflammation. Here’s why drinking alcohol during your period can intensify your menstrual symptoms and create additional health challenges:

Your body processes alcohol differently during menstruation. Hormonal changes make alcohol hit your bloodstream faster, so you become intoxicated much faster, even with your usual amount of drinks.
Alcohol amplifies the inflammatory state of your menstrual cycle, worsening period symptoms and causing your body to need more time to recover from the compounded effects of menstruation and drinking.
The combination of menstrual fluid loss and alcohol’s diuretic effect creates severe dehydration, which intensifies period cramps, headaches, and fatigue.
Drinking interferes with your body’s delicate hormonal balance during menstruation. Your estrogen levels fluctuate and you may experience irregular periods and heavier periods.
Alcohol consumption during your period can worsen PMS symptoms and mood swings. You are already more emotional during your menstrual period, but add alcohol to the mix, and you face unpredictable emotional responses and an increased risk of anxiety and depression.
Your liver works overtime during menstruation to process hormones, and adding alcohol creates excessive strain on its detoxification processes.
Alcohol disrupts your sleep when your body needs rest most during menstruation. You feel more fatigued and need more time to recover from period symptoms.
While alcohol might temporarily mask period pain, it ultimately makes pain management more difficult by disrupting natural pain responses and interfering with pain medication.
Your blood sugar fluctuates more dramatically when drinking during your period. This can trigger intense cravings and energy crashes while depleting essential nutrients.

It may seem comforting, but there isn’t a single reason why you shouldn’t skip that glass of wine during your period. What starts as an occasional drink to ease menstrual discomfort can develop into a dangerous pattern of self-medication, gradually leading to alcohol dependency and addiction.

Our comprehensive alcohol detox and rehabilitation programs combine medical expertise with personalized support to help you safely break free from alcohol dependency. Our state-of-the-art facility provides inpatient and outpatient treatment options, with evidence-based therapies and aftercare planning that set you up for lasting recovery.

How does alcohol affect period flow?

Alcohol interferes with your menstrual flow. It often leads to heavier and more irregular bleeding patterns. Alcohol thins your blood and dilates blood vessels, which causes heavier menstrual bleeding that’s more difficult for your body to regulate and can leave you with longer-lasting periods.

Another mechanism is through increasing estradiol and luteinizing hormone levels. A 2015 study explains that each alcoholic drink raises estradiol by about 5% and luteinizing hormone by about 6%. Estradiol helps build the uterine lining, so this increase could thicken the uterine lining and lead to heavier menstrual flow.

The study also found that women who drank more than 1 drink per day had a 49% higher risk of heavy menstrual bleeding than non-drinkers.

How does alcohol affect period cramps?

Binge drinking may worsen your menstrual cramps, although researchers are still looking for a more direct connection between alcohol and period cramping. What we know about alcohol’s effects is that:

Ethanol is dehydrating. This makes your uterine muscles more sensitive and prone to painful contractions.
Alcohol triggers widespread inflammation, which intensifies the inflammatory response already present during menstruation and makes cramps feel more severe.
Alcohol dilates blood vessels throughout your body, including in your uterus. This triggers higher levels of prostaglandins (compounds responsible for uterine contractions) and causes your uterine muscles to contract more forcefully.

A 2007 study reveals that over half the women in the study showed abnormally high prolactin levels throughout their cycle and about half showed decreased progesterone levels. These hormonal imbalances were most severe during the middle of the menstrual cycle (around ovulation). They led to more intense uterine contractions, increased inflammation, and heavier bleeding.

Beyond affecting your uterine and abdominal muscles, alcohol severely dehydrates your skin, tissues, and organs, leaving your entire body more vulnerable to pain and discomfort.

How many days can alcohol delay period?

Regular alcohol consumption might delay your menstrual period by 1–4 days if you drink moderately, but chronic heavy drinking can cause delays of a week or more. The hormonal imbalances that cause these delays also affect your entire reproductive system. Your liver also becomes stressed from processing alcohol, which further disrupts hormone balance.

An occasional drink might only minimally affect your cycle timing, but regular binge drinking can lead to serious menstrual cycle irregularities and potential fertility issues.

Why does my period stop when I drink alcohol?

While alcohol can delay the menstrual cycle, some women experience complete cessation of their periods. Heavy drinking disrupts your menstrual phase through the pituitary gland. This small gland controls your reproductive hormones and regulates your menstrual cycle by releasing the hormones at specific times. Its function becomes impaired and messes with follicle-stimulating hormone and other hormones essential for menstruation.

This disruption can lead to anovulatory cycles (where no ovulation occurs) and menstrual irregularities. Excessive drinking affects ovarian estrogen production and your overall hormonal profile, which can pause your menstrual cycle temporarily. This is especially common in women with alcohol use disorders (AUD).

In some cases, these disruptions become long-term if drinking continues.

If you’re struggling with the effects of alcohol use on your menstrual health, our alcohol treatment programs restore your body’s natural hormone balance. We combine medical expertise with holistic healing approaches, addressing the physical effects of alcohol dependency and the unique health issues women face during recovery.

Reach out to our women’s alcohol rehab center

At Ardu Recovery Center, we understand how alcohol affects women’s reproductive health and overall well-being. Our specialized women’s program recognizes the unique impacts of alcohol on women’s bodies, affecting everything from hormonal balance and menstrual cycles to fertility and long-term reproductive health.

Our comprehensive treatment starts with medical detox, where our experienced team provides 24/7 supervision while managing withdrawal symptoms. We complement traditional medical care with holistic therapies including nutritional support to restore hormone balance, meditation for stress management, and yoga therapy to help regulate your body’s natural cycles.

Through our gender-specific programs, we offer:

Vibroacoustic therapy to reduce menstrual discomfort and stress.
Float spa sessions for hormonal balance and pain relief.
Integrative medicine combining traditional and alternative approaches.
Self-compassion therapy for body awareness and healing.
IV amino acid therapy to restore essential nutrients.
Mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques for managing cycle-related symptoms.

You’ll recover in a supportive environment where women understand the complex relationship between alcohol use and reproductive health so you can rebuild your sobriety and your overall well-being.

Reach out to Ardu and learn how our addiction treatment program can be your doorway into a new life. It’s time to take that first step and reclaim your life.

Brandon Okey is the co-founder of Ardu Recovery Center and is dedicated to empowering people on their journey to sobriety.

Can you drink on your period FAQ

Does alcohol make you bleed more?

Alcohol acts as a blood thinner. It can increase menstrual bleeding in some adult women because alcohol interferes with platelet function and prostaglandin levels, which regulate uterine contractions and blood flow. Excessive alcohol consumption in women also disrupts the delicate balance of hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, which can exacerbate heavier menstrual bleeding. Alcohol also impairs liver function, which is vital for managing the levels of hormones and clotting factors.

What should you not drink during your period?

During the menstrual period, managing your diet and drink choices can alleviate common symptoms such as menstrual pain, mood swings, and water retention. Certain beverages worsen these symptoms, so be mindful of what you consume.

Here’s what to avoid:

Alcohol: disrupts hormonal fluctuations, increases prostaglandin levels, worsens painful cramps, and may lead to heavier periods.
Sugary drinks: cause blood sugar spikes and drops, leading to fatigue, irritability, and cravings.
Energy drinks: worsten water retention, emotional well-being, and menstrual discomfort.
Cold water: may slow blood circulation, intensifying menstrual pain or cramps.
Carbonated beverages: can increase bloating and abdominal pain during menstruation.
Excessive coffee: overstimulates the nervous system, potentially worsening menstrual pain and mood swings.
Dairy-based drinks: may increase inflammation or prostaglandin levels, aggravating uterine discomfort.
High-sugar cocktails: combine the effects of alcohol and sugar, amplifying cramps and mood changes.

Is alcohol bad for cramping?

Alcohol does no good for menstrual cramps. It affects the balance of prostaglandins, compounds that regulate uterine contractions. Excessive prostaglandins can cause more painful period cramps. Alcohol also dehydrates the body, which can intensify cramping and abdominal pain. Alcohol may also interfere with the levels of magnesium, an essential mineral for muscle relaxation, which can aggravate uterine pain.

If you suffer from painful cramps, drink plenty of water and herbal teas instead. A holistic approach, including avoiding alcohol, can minimize menstrual distress and improve emotional well-being during your period.

Do you get drunk quicker on your period?

Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can influence alcohol tolerance. In the luteal phase, elevated progesterone levels can slow alcohol metabolism, which makes you feel drunk faster. Hormonal shifts can impact water retention and blood sugar levels, altering the body’s reaction to alcohol.

Women may experience reduced inhibitions or greater sensitivity to alcohol during the menstrual phase. Drinking alcohol in moderation and staying hydrated may mitigate these effects. Drinking water between alcoholic beverages can maintain balance and avoid exaggerated responses to alcohol.

Why does my uterus hurt after drinking alcohol?

Alcohol can increase uterine discomfort by influencing prostaglandin levels, which regulate uterine contractions. High levels of prostaglandins can cause painful cramps, especially during menstruation. Alcohol dehydrates the body and disrupts magnesium levels, intensifying muscle contractions and abdominal pain. It can also exacerbate estrogen and progesterone fluctuations, which may further affect the reproductive tract. If uterine pain persists after drinking, reducing alcohol consumption and staying hydrated can alleviate discomfort.

Why do I crave alcohol on my period?

Alcohol cravings during your period may stem from hormonal fluctuations, specifically in the levels of estrogen and progesterone. These changes can influence neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which regulate mood and increase cravings for sugar or alcohol as temporary mood boosters.

Alcohol’s sugar content can contribute to short-term relief from feelings of sadness or irritability. Heavy alcohol consumption can disrupt blood sugar levels and worsen premenstrual symptoms. Opt for alternatives such as green vegetables, magnesium-rich snacks, or herbal teas to stabilize energy levels and curb cravings naturally.

How does alcohol affect hormones in females?

Alcohol can disrupt the balance of hormones, including estrogen, progesterone, and prostaglandins, leading to irregular cycles. Heavy alcohol consumption may increase estrogen levels, potentially contributing to painful period cramps or heavy periods. It can also reduce progesterone levels, impacting the luteal phase and the uterine lining’s health.

Alcohol use disorder may impair the reproductive tract and increase the risk of hormonal imbalances. These changes may contribute to mood swings, irregular menstruation, and increased premenstrual symptoms. Limiting alcohol and adopting a holistic approach to health can support hormonal stability.

Resources

McCaul, M., Roach, D., Hasin, D., Weisner, C., Chang, G., & Sinha, R. (2019). Alcohol and Women: A Brief Overview. Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research, 43(5), 774. https://doi.org/10.1111/acer.13985

Schliep, K. C., Zarek, S. M., Schisterman, E. F., Wactawski-Wende, J., Trevisan, M., Sjaarda, L. A., Perkins, N. J., & Mumford, S. L. (2015). Alcohol intake, reproductive hormones, and menstrual cycle function: A prospective cohort study. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 102(4), 933-942. https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.114.102160

AUGUSTYŃSKA, B., ZIÓŁKOWSKI, M., KIEŁPIŃSKI, A., GRUSZKA, M., & KOSMOWSKI, W. (2007). MENSTRUAL CYCLE IN WOMEN ADDICTED TO ALCOHOL DURING THE FIRST WEEK FOLLOWING DRINKING CESSATION—CHANGES OF SEX HORMONES LEVELS IN RELATION TO SELECTED CLINICAL FEATURES. Alcohol and Alcoholism, 42(2), 80-83. https://doi.org/10.1093/alcalc/agl094