Excessive Alcohol Use and the Impact on Women’s Health

CDC Guidance Regarding Women’s Alcohol Use

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), women and men absorb alcohol differently because of differences in body structure and chemistry. These differences “cause women to absorb more alcohol and take longer to break it down and remove it from their bodies.” Women are also more likely to feel the effects of alcohol quicker than men. Both genders can experience short- and long-term health problems from consuming large amounts of alcohol, but women may experience more long-term health problems.

The CDC reports that 12% of surveyed adult women admitted to binge drinking 3 times a month. Binge drinking is defined by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism as having 4 or more drinks in a two-hour period for women. Women surveyed averaged five drinks per binge according to the reporting.

One of the most severe consequences of heavy drinking is the impact it can have on a woman’s reproductive health. Excessive alcohol consumption can put a woman at an increased risk for infertility. Additionally, if a woman drinks while pregnant they are putting their child at risk for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), which can cause birth defects and affect a child’s mental development. Drinking while pregnant can also put a baby at a higher risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), as indicated by the CDC.

Women who consume excessive amounts of alcohol may also have an increased risk for liver disease, memory loss, damage to the heart, and cancer.

If you or a loved one is consuming excessive amounts of alcohol, you need to seek treatment. While millions of adults suffer from alcohol use disorder, only a small percentage actually seek treatment. Any reliance or dependence on alcohol should be treated by a professional. There are options for treatment.