Time for a Change
Acne
You might not see the symptoms of menopause until you're into your 50s, but after 40, you might start experiencing some hormonal changes. Hormones are one of the causes of acne, and menopause means that estrogen levels are fluctuating, among other things. Though they are indirectly connected, alcohol consumption can affect your hormones, which in turn can affect your skin.
Breast Cancer Risk
It's essential to keep estrogen levels under control, even after you've experienced menopause. Studies show that postmenopausal women with higher levels of estradiol, a type of estrogen, are at higher risk for developing breast cancer. Consuming alcohol raises estrogen blood levels, so the more alcohol your body takes in, the more you put yourself at risk. Overall, limiting how much alcohol you drink drastically lowers your chances of developing numerous types of cancers.
Stroke Risk
Stroke prevention should be one of the areas to focus on since your risks increase as you get older, especially after 55. Women are already more prone to strokes than men—one person suffers from these brain attacks every 40 seconds. Subtract a few cocktails to add on to your life's longevity and quality.
Higher Blood Pressure
Cutting down the number of drinks you have is also a way to lower your blood pressure. If you are a light to moderate drinker, you're less likely to be affected by high blood pressure due to alcohol intake. However, if you have more than a few drinks per day, a reduction can lead to lower blood pressure levels and have an effect similar to what better diet and exercise have on your body.
Liver Damage
Hopefully you didn't spend much of your 20s and 30s blackout drunk, because that could lead to some serious liver damage by the time you reach 40. Unlike then, your liver can't bounce back and heal itself in the same way. The built-up fatty tissue in your liver makes it difficult for the organ to process nutrients. Liver disease from drinking alcohol can even lead to hepatitis and cirrhosis.
Lower Fertility Rates
Whether you're attempting to get pregnant naturally or opt for an egg donor and/or IVF, your odds of conception are reduced if alcohol is involved. No matter what age you are, studies show that alcohol should be avoided altogether when trying to conceive.
