Women’s drinking patterns are different from men’s – especially when it comes to the type of beverage, amounts and frequency. Women’s bodies also react differently to alcohol than men’s bodies. As a result, women face particular health risks and realities. Women should be aware of the health risks associated with drinking alcohol. Current statistics: 93% of Australian women drink 2 standard drinks per day x 7 days a week and a greater percentage of these women are using larger glasses to subliminally counteract feelings of guilt that they are drinking more than they should. Women are drinking more than men because they have more stress today than previous generations of mothers. Australia ranks No.1 in the English speaking world for alcohol consumption, per capita, (not alcohol addiction) but the problem is there, psychologically and physiologically.

Why Do Women Face Higher Risk?

Research shows that women start to have alcohol-related problems at lower drinking levels than men do. One reason is that, on average, women weigh less than men. In addition, alcohol disperses in body water, and kilo for kilo, women have less water in their bodies than men do. So after a man and woman of the same weight drink the same amount of alcohol, a woman’s blood alcohol concentration will tend to be higher, putting her at greater risk for harm. Other biological differences, including hormones, may contribute as well. Liver Damage: Alcohol abuse has many serious effects on women’s health but the liver often bears the brunt of the damage. The liver is responsible for filtering alcohol and other toxins from the bloodstream. In women who consume excessive amounts of alcohol, the liver can be damaged because of the heavy workload. Alcohol abuse can cause three types of liver disease: fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis and alcoholic cirrhosis, the more serious form. Women who drink are more likely to develop alcoholic hepatitis (liver inflammation) than men who drink the same amount of alcohol. Women are developing alcoholic cirrhosis at a much younger age than in previous generations. Abdominal Symptoms: Women with alcohol-induced liver disease may experience abdominal pain and tenderness and may also notice they are retaining fluid in the abdominal cavity. Nausea may also develop and the liver and spleen can become enlarged. Loss of appetite is common, along with excessive thirst and a dry mouth. Some women with alcoholic liver disease may also vomit blood or have vomit that looks like coffee grounds and in some cases, have black tarry or bloody stools. Skin Changes: Jaundice, a yellowish discoloration of the skin and whites of the eye, is the skin change most often associated with liver disease. Jaundice develops if the bile flow from the liver is blocked and can cause itchy skin and small yellow lumps around the eyelids. The palms of the hands may turn red while the nail beds of the fingernails may turn white and the fingertips may enlarge. Veins on the abdomen may appear more prominent than usual and the salivary glands on either side of the cheeks may enlarge.  Noticeable spider veins can develop on the legs, nose, cheeks and elsewhere in women with alcoholic liver disease. Heart Disease: Chronic heavy drinking is a leading cause of heart disease. Among heavy drinkers, more than 2 standard drinks per day, women are more susceptible to alcohol related heart disease than men, even though women drink less alcohol over a lifetime than men. A rapid heart rate can develop in women with liver damage caused by excessive alcohol intake. This may be especially noticeable when standing up from sitting or lying down. Breast Cancer: There is an association between drinking alcohol and developing breast cancer. Women who consume about one drink per day have a 10% higher chance of developing breast cancer than women who do not drink at all. That risk rises another 10% for every extra drink they have per day. Current Australian Breast Cancer Statistics: One in three women will develop breast cancer at some stage during their life. Frightening statistics. Pregnancy: Any drinking during pregnancy is risky. A pregnant woman who drinks heavily puts her foetus at risk for learning and behavioral problems and abnormal facial features (Foetal Alcohol Syndrome). Even moderate drinking during pregnancy can cause problems. Drinking during pregnancy also may increase the risk for preterm labour. Behavioural Symptoms: A woman who has developed alcoholic liver disease may also begin acting differently. You may notice mental confusion, including memory loss and hallucinations; agitation; mood or personality changes; difficulty concentrating or paying attention and impaired judgement. Weight Gain: Women with liver disease caused by alcohol abuse may also gain weight or appear swollen. This develops because the body is retaining fluid, in many cases; weight gain develops even in women whose appetite has decreased because of the condition. Fatigue: Can also be a sign of alcoholic liver disease. Some women are also noticeable sluggish or lethargic in their movements. If you know you are using alcohol to self-medicate problems and you know that your consumption is excessive compared to social drinkers, I would suggest contacting your GP, Psychologist or Addiction Counsellor sooner rather than later. If you have any symptoms as described above, please get help as soon as possible for a correct assessment of alcohol abuse. L-Glutamine Is a "Brain Fuel" and research shows it could improve intelligence, give a lift when a person was fatigued, and help control alcoholism and a craving for sweets, and can reduce both cravings and the anxiety that accompanies alcohol withdrawal. Amino Acid supplements like Tyrosine Mood Food for the manufacture of dopamine and noradrenaline, are required for concentration, alertness, memory and a happy, stable mood. A good liver tonic like LivaTone Plus is recommended and can be beneficial in those who have an inflamed liver or a sluggish liver. LivaTone Plus also contains B vitamins and the amino acid Taurine. It also contains the antioxidant vitamins C and E. Magnesium Ultra Potent can be taken before bed to assist with a deep and restful sleep. It also helps to reduce stress, very beneficial to a recovering alcoholic.  Magnesium is also known as the “great relaxer”. My book, Help for Depression and Anxiety is an excellent read for recovering alcoholics.   The above statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease.