Today, let's talk about something that many of us experience but rarely talk about: the effects of alcohol during peri-menopause and menopause. It can feel like a wild rollercoaster ride, packed with all sorts of physical and emotional ups and downs, and when you throw in society's expectations around drinking, it's definitely time for a real conversation. So, pour yourself a cuppa or whatever makes you feel good, and let's chat about how our relationship with alcohol might need a little tweaking as we navigate this stage of life. WELCOME TO THE PERI-MENOPAUSE PARTY! Ah, peri-menopause — the warm-up act before the main show where hormones go wild and symptoms crash the party like unwanted relatives. Irregular periods, mood swings, hot flashes and spontaneous bursts of laughter or tears — you name it, we feel it, often all at once! It's like our bodies are trying to win the wildest party of the year award, and alcohol can seem like the perfect VIP pass. Many of us pour that glass of vino or mix up a cheeky cocktail after a long day, thinking, "This is my kind of self-care!" a reward for surviving the madness of the day. But here's the twist! As our hormones are twirling and swirling like dancers at a gala, our tolerance for alcohol might dip lower than we'd like. The fun punchline? What once felt like a chill evening can quickly turn into a slightly embarrassing game of ‘Guess What's Back: Hot Flashes Edition!', reminding us that our bodies are navigating an intricate dance during this significant transition. HELLO MENOPAUSE, GOODBYE SLEEP Once menopause struts onto the scene, our periods sign off for good, leaving behind a series of special effects featuring night sweats, irritability, and your lovely friend insomnia. Have you noticed that a nightcap promised to soothe you often results in counting sheep until the wee hours? Yup, studies show that alcohol could actually turn you into a midnight-to-3 AM party animal struggling to catch some Zs while managing those glorious hot flashes. Turns out, our bodies have a sense of humour too! This is the time to really tune in to what our body is trying to tell us and reassess our drinking habits. It's worth asking ourselves: is that drink really lifting us up, or is it just a sly saboteur in our quest for wellness? Many women find themselves questioning their relationship with alcohol as they navigate these changes. So, as we traverse this wild ride, let's embrace the challenge of listening to what our bodies need—because menopause may be the end of one chapter, but it can also be the beginning of a more insightful relationship with ourselves and our health. THE SOCIAL DRINKING DILEMA Now, let's address the social elephant - the pressure to sip and swirl in social settings. It's lively, it's exciting, and it's filled with a lot of unspoken "Hey, where's your drink?" moments. Whether it's the girls' night out, a holiday gathering, or just two friends catching up, the unspoken expectation to clink glasses can hit harder than a double shot of espresso. Coupled with the societal norm that alcohol is often seen as a way to celebrate or alleviate stress, it can be challenging to step back and evaluate our choices. It's common to feel like we're stuck in a boozy tug-of-war: wanting to socialise but feeling left out. If your "wine o'clock" has become your new mantra but the buzz is short-lived, you're not alone! Many of us are trying to find that balance between wanting to have fun and questioning whether we really need that drink. We find ourselves stuck between a desire to participate socially and the nagging feeling that perhaps alcohol isn't serving us well anymore. It can definitely feel like a tricky spot to be in. It's like we're all putting on our party hats while secretly questioning if our drink choice deserves a round of applause or a gentle exit stage left. UNCORKING CHAOS Let's be real: alcohol can throw a wild party with our emotions, especially during menopause. One moment you're feeling social, and the next, you're on a roller coaster of mood swings, sadness and irritability! That first sip might feel like a warm hug, but nothing kills the good vibes faster than a wave of anxiety crashing when the effects wear off. Many women during menopause might find themselves reaching for a drink to cope with all those hormonal shifts, thinking it will help smooth things over. But surprise! This can create a reliance on alcohol that makes tackling those underlying feelings even tougher. As menopause rolls in, issues around body image can pop up, too. How many times have we cracked open a bottle only to feel regret as we catch a glimpse of ourselves in the mirror? Those feelings can fluctuate, leaving self-esteem in a bit of a tailspin. And while it might seem cozy to stay home with a glass of wine, retreating from social gatherings can increase feelings of isolation and loneliness—definitely not the best company during this chapter of life! And let's not forget: those mood swings from drinking can lead to some eyebrow-raising misunderstandings with family and friends. Keeping the peace while navigating menopause can be challenging enough without alcohol adding fuel to the fire. So while it's tempting to pour another glass, it's wise to hit pause and consider the emotional hangover that could follow in the aftermath! FINDING BALANCES AND ALTERNATIVES So, how do we keep the fun without the hangover of regret? It's all about finding that sweet spot: 1. Tune in to Your Body: Our bodies are talking; let's listen! If alcohol makes your symptoms act like rockstars on tour; loud and obnoxious (Hello, hot flashes and restless nights!), it might be time to dial it down. Your body knows best! 2. Shake Things Up with Alternatives: Mocktails, Darling! There's an entire world of delicious non-alcoholic beverages out there that can keep you feeling included and festive without the post-drink doom. 3. Let's Talk: Get the conversation rolling with your friends about your changing relationship with alcohol. You'd be surprised at how many of them might be feeling the same way, sharing the laughs, concerns, and real talk! Plus, starting this dialogue might make others feel brave enough to join in. 4. Gather Your Tribe: Find support groups, whether online or offline. It's like group therapy, but you can wear your cozy pants. It's a fabulous way to share giggles, advice, and the best remedies to ride the hot flash wave. 5. Indulge in Self-Care: Self-care is your secret weapon! Imagine, sinking into a glorious bubble bath, maybe with a glass of non-alcoholic drink, surrounded by candles and your favourite playlist. Or how about curling up with an addictive page-turner, or heading outside for a stroll with friends while swapping stories and laughter? Who needs clinking glasses when you can create your own joy? You'll find that these little moments of indulgence recharge your spirit way more than a drink ever could, so go on — you absolutely deserve it! 6. Chill out: Meditation: Think of this as a mini-vacay for your mind! Just a few minutes of quiet breathing can melt away stress and bring on the good vibes. It's like giving your brain a cozy hug! Yoga or Tai Chi: Picture yourself flowing through smooth moves while feeling all the tranquility! These gentle activities not only stretch your body but also soothe your mind. They're perfect for shaking off the day's craziness while getting a little workout in! Deep Breathing Exercises: When life gets a bit too loud, just pause and take a nice, deep breath. Inhale like you're catching the aroma of your favourite dish, hold it, then exhale as if you're blowing away stress. It's magic—instant calm, anytime, anywhere! By adding these Mindfulness hacks into your daily routine, you can sneak in little moments of zen amidst the hustle and bustle. They'll help you navigate all the twists and turns that come with menopause too. Just remember, it's all about finding what makes you feel good! EMBRACING A NEW CHAPTER Menopause may feel like the grand finale in a particularly dramatic performance, but it doesn't signal the end of your joy, connection, or downright fabulous-ness! By being mindful about alcohol and embracing those healthier habits, we can navigate this journey with resilience and maybe even a little sparkle— and no hangover! Ready to Rewrite your Story? Perhaps you're already sober, or maybe you're just "sober curious," wondering if a life with less (or no) alcohol is possible for you. You're not alone. Many women are finding that ditching the booze is a powerful pathway to feeling more vibrant, more in control, and more like themselves again. The thought of navigating menopause and changing your alcohol habits can feel daunting. But you don't have to do it alone. I specialise in helping women just like you navigate this transformative time with confidence and clarity. If you're ready to silence the inner doubts, tame that hormonal rollercoaster, and get genuinely excited about what your next chapter holds, I'd love to be your guide. Let's ditch the booze-fueled coping mechanisms and build a life that feels truly fulfilling and joyful. Reach out anytime. I'm here for you. Let's make this your best act yet!