Binge drinking: How it disrupts your menstrual health

What is binge drinking?

There's no doubt that binge drinking is a popular vice for coping with the struggles and strains of everyday life (although of course, there are much healthier ways to do this). 

But how is binge drinking defined, and are you binge drinking? According to the NHS, binge drinking is considered to be:

• Eight units of alcohol in one sitting for men. This translates as five bottles (330ml) of 5% strength beer or five small (125ml) glasses of 13% strength wine.
• Six units of alcohol in one sitting for women. This translates as two pints of 5% strength beer or two large (250ml) glasses of 12% strength wine.
• You might find that some people have a different view on what constitutes binge drinking as they have a higher alcohol tolerance than others.

This tolerance is determined by several factors, including your gender, genetics, body mass index and the current state of your mental health. Generally speaking though, binge drinking is consuming a lot of alcohol in a short period of time - or drinking to become intoxicated.

Rather than relaxing with a glass of wine on the sofa, binge drinking is more the act of drinking to get drunk. Some people get drunk far easier than others, but this doesn't take away from the definition of binge drinking, it is more about the number of units of alcohol you consume within a specific timeframe.

• Everything you need to know about binge drinking

Does binge drinking really affect your menstrual cycle?

The relationship between alcohol consumption and menstrual health is complex and differs for everyone.

Everyone experiences periods differently and has a different cycle.

It's possible for a sober person to experience irregular periods, or an excessive drinker to experience regular periods.

However, studies show that binge drinking can disturb your menstrual health.

The biology behind drinking and your menstrual health

We know that drinking excessively can impact your menstrual cycle, but why does this happen? In premenopausal women, studies by Oxford Academic have shown that binge drinking often leads to an increase in estrogen and a decrease in progesterone. This process disrupts normal hormonal behaviours necessary for regular ovulation.

Regular ovulation takes place when an egg is released from one of your ovaries 10 to 16 days before your period starts.

This is a sign of good menstrual health and fertility.

Meanwhile, the hormonal imbalance caused by excessive alcohol consumption can disrupt ovulation.

This can cause menstrual disorders, including: menstrual cycles without ovulation (anovulation), infertility and early menopause.

In 2017, menstrual health app creator, Clue, revealed that binge drinking can also lead to cycle irregularities and amenorrhea.

What are cycle irregularities?

The average menstrual cycle lasts for 28 days, but it is completely normal for your cycle to be slightly longer or shorter than this.

However, cycle irregularities occur when the timeframe between your periods significantly changes.

They also occur when the duration of your period and its flow (light or heavy) is inconsistent.

What is amenorrhea?

Amenorrhea is when your period stops completely.

Women who have missed at least three menstrual cycles consistently are classified as having amenorrhea.

The most common cause of amenorrhea is pregnancy.

Will quitting alcohol improve your menstrual health?

If you have a hormonal imbalance as a result of your alcohol consumption, you may find that your cycle regulates again when you stop drinking.

This is because regular periods tend to occur when you are fit and healthy as your body is well balanced and nourished.

Plus, avoiding binge drinking won't just help your menstrual cycle - it will also significantly improve your physical and mental health. This is because alcohol is a depressant that can exacerbate feelings of sadness and anxiety. Quitting drinking can lead to more stable and positive moods, reducing the risk of depression and other mood disorders.

Alcohol also disrupts your sleep cycle, leading to poor sleep quality. Improved sleep can enhance your mental health by reducing irritability, fatigue, and stress. Many people use alcohol as a way to cope with stress, but it is not an effective long-term solution. Quitting drinking can encourage the development of healthier coping mechanisms, such as mindfulness, exercise, or therapy.

If you quit drinking and your periods remain problematic, you can always speak to your GP.

Don't panic

Before you start avoiding alcohol completely, research has shown that having a serious drinking problem is likely to impact your menstrual health (not one too many wines over the festive season).

If you're a regular drinker but do not have a binge drinking problem, your cycle is unlikely to be affected. You might want to cut down on drinking for other reasons, such as fatigue and sadness, which can often be caused by drinking If you are unsure whether you are a binge drinker or have a drinking problem, it's best to reach out to a specialist to determine whether you might need help for your drinking. They will take into account a variety of factors, including how often you drink and the amount of units you are consuming per week.

If you don't drink regularly, don't panic about how this will impact your menstrual health.

Seeking help for binge drinking

If you think you have a problem with binge drinking, there are many alcohol addiction support services available to help you quit. You can find local support services in your area.

If you simply want to reduce your alcohol intake and improve your overall health, follow the NHS guidelines.

If you're feeling worried about your alcohol consumption, visit one of our hospitals for a free alcohol and drug dependence assessment.

At Circle Health Group, we have a network of specialists who can help you manage your drinking, including cognitive behavioural therapists. We also have a network of gynaecologists who can help you monitor your menstrual health. Book an appointment with your nearest consultant today.