Expert reveals how drinking alcohol during your period can wreck your monthly cycle

From wine to beer to a glass of your favorite scotch, if your love for alcohol makes you forget your love for self, then you’ve got to be reminded of the one true and obvious fact: Alcohol consumption is injurious to health.

You read and hear it everywhere, but you’ve got to be extra serious about this warning if you’re on your period. Because you know what? The beverage that dulls down your senses can also impact your particularly sensitive body while you’re on your period.

Here’s what happens when you drink alcohol while menstruating:

It can relax your body, but conditions apply
You know how periods can turn the most chilled out of us into tense beings? But here’s some good news. Drinking a glass of wine or beer can make you feel relaxed during your period, according to Dr. Sutopa Banerjee, director, obstetrics and gynecology, Fortis Flt. Lt. Rajan Dhall Hospital, Vasant Kunj, Delhi.

It can mess up your health if you don’t comply
If the previous point made you so happy that you probably forgot your alcohol-drinking limits and ended up exceeding the 1-2 glass mark, you’re bound to face consequences. Alcohol is horrible for your overall health, remember?

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If you don’t, then Banerjee is quick to remind you. “Alcohol consumption can negatively impact your blood pressure, heart, and your reproductive health as well.

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It can worsen your cramps
Alcohol can dehydrate you like no other. This, in turn, can worsen those already-excruciating period cramps by thickening the menstrual fluids and blood, making it more difficult for them to pass and their flow more painful. 

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“Hence, if you choose to drink a limited amount of alcohol on your period, make sure that you drink plenty of water along with it to prevent dehydration,” Banerjee suggests.

You could end up getting too intoxicated
If you think you’ve got a great capacity, try drinking alcohol on your period and your overconfidence can land you in trouble.

“Alcohol tolerance is lower during your period and one is more likely to get intoxicated faster,” Banerjee points out. So, unless you want to pass out, don’t go beyond 1-2 drinks, we say.

Your hormones can get terribly messed up
Regular alcohol consumption as well as consumption during periods can cause hormonal fluctuations (especially estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone). 

“This can lead to irregular ovulation and periods and lead to difficulties in conceiving too,” Banerjee warns.

Your period mood can go from bad to worse
According to Banerjee, your PMS symptoms like irritability can increase due to alcohol consumption, thanks to the alcohol-induced production of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone in the body. 

Also, read: Crazy PMS symptom or something else? Take this quiz to find out

So, the next time you think of partying during your periods, think twice.