When the Nature Communications article on binge drinking during high-estrogen cycles in mice was published in late 2024, I couldn’t help but laugh. The mental image of tipsy little mice stumbling around is pure comedy gold. But once I stopped giggling, I realized the implications for women’s health—and my own story—were no laughing matter.
The study revealed that female mice consumed significantly more alcohol during high-estrogen phases. It got me thinking about my 40s, a time when my hormones were as unpredictable as a teenager’s mood swings. There were moments when one or two glasses of wine turned into three or four, especially during certain points in my cycle. Could it be that my physiology—not just my willpower—played a role in those behaviors? Could I give myself the grace to acknowledge that?
My Personal Story with Wine
Wine has always been part of my life. Growing up, it was served sparingly at Sunday dinners—a couple of ounces poured into a glass to sip slowly and savor. At age 13, I even submitted a winemaking project for the science fair (yes, I unknowingly brought alcohol to school!). Imagine me: buck teeth, thick glasses, and a bad perm, trying to explain fermentation to my principal. You’re laughing—I am too!
As an adult, wine became more than just a drink; it was a ritual of connection. Is it the wine itself that’s heart-healthy, or is it the laughter and oxytocin we share with loved ones over dinner? That’s always been my question. And let’s face it—oxytocin is the true “love hormone,” the one that makes us feel bonded and happy. So maybe it’s not the wine that’s good for your heart but the company at the table making you laugh until you cry.
But there came a time when I started questioning whether wine was truly serving me. Post-divorce, when my children were spending alternating weeks with me and their father, I went from a bustling household to an empty one overnight. The loneliness was crushing. At first, I celebrated my freedom with a glass (or three) of wine—but eventually, it became clear that this wasn’t helping me heal.
What Is Grey Area Drinking?
My recent podcast conversation with Olivia Farrelly brought even more clarity to this topic. Olivia is an Alcohol-Free Mentor who specializes in helping people navigate “grey area drinking.” This term refers to drinking habits that fall between social drinking and alcoholism—where someone drinks more than they should but doesn’t meet the criteria for alcohol dependence or addiction.
Grey area drinkers may not experience withdrawal symptoms or physical dependence, but they often feel that alcohol takes more than it gives. They might drink to manage stress or emotions but still feel uneasy about their habits. As Olivia says: “You don’t have to hit rock bottom to reevaluate your relationship with alcohol.”
For me, this resonated deeply. While I could easily go weeks or months without drinking when I did indulge, it wasn’t always just one glass—and I started paying closer attention to how alcohol affected my mood, sleep, and relationships.
The Science Behind Alcohol and Estrogen
The recent study in Nature Communications found that estrogen amplifies activity in the brain’s reward center (the BNST), making alcohol more appealing during high-estrogen phases. For women, this means our hormonal fluctuations can influence cravings and consumption patterns—especially during perimenopause and menopause when estrogen levels are unpredictable. Could this also relate to the timing of estrogen patches?
This research helped me understand why alcohol felt harder to moderate at certain times in my life. It wasn’t just about willpower; it was about biology.
Alcohol’s Impact on Women’s Health
As women, we metabolize alcohol differently than men do—and we’re more vulnerable to its effects:
- Breast Cancer Risk: Just one glass of wine daily increases breast cancer risk by 10%, while two glasses raise it by 20%.
- Metabolism Slowdown: Alcohol can slow metabolism for up to 72 hours (and let’s be honest—I don’t need anything interfering with my metabolism at 58!).
- Cognitive Decline: Long-term drinking can shrink brain volume and impair memory—something none of us want as we age.
The Hidden Contaminants in Wine
If that wasn’t enough reason to rethink my relationship with wine, learning about glyphosate contamination sealed the deal. Glyphosate (the active ingredient in Roundup weed killer) has been found in 100% of tested California wines, including organic ones! This happens due to spray drift from conventional vineyards contaminating nearby crops.
Glyphosate is linked to hormone disruption, cancer, and even birth defects. Napa Valley itself has cancer rates 10–20% higher than the national average—something worth pondering as we sip our favorite Cabernet.
And here’s a fun fact from my cousin—a world-famous sommelier—who taught me over a decade ago never to drink wine straight from the glass without wiping it first! Why? Because even the cleaning agents used on glasses leave chemical residues behind. So yes, ladies—we’re sipping more than just grapes.
Lessons from My Experiment with Sobriety
Over the last few months, I decided to go completely dry—not because I’m swearing off wine forever but because I wanted to observe how alcohol affects me physically and emotionally.
Here’s what I discovered:
- Social situations are just as fun with club soda (and no hangover!).
- My sleep improved dramatically without alcohol disrupting my REM cycles.
- Monitoring my blood sugar showed that tequila (my ranch water go-to) kept me stable compared to wine—which spiked and crashed my glucose levels.
This experiment helped me redefine what moderation looks like for me—and reminded me that self-awareness is key.
Practical Tips for Women Navigating Alcohol
Whether you’re rethinking your relationship with alcohol or simply looking for balance, here are a few tips:
- Track Your Cycle: Be mindful of high-estrogen phases when cravings might spike.
- Choose Cleaner Options: Opt for biodynamic or organic wines—but remember that even these can contain contaminants like glyphosate.
- Support Your Liver: Hydrate well and incorporate detoxifying foods like greens and cruciferous vegetables.
- Reflect on Your Why: Ask yourself why you’re reaching for that glass—is it habit or something deeper?
A Toast to Balance
Ladies, our hormones are powerful—they influence everything from our moods to our cravings—but they don’t have to control us. By understanding our biology and making intentional choices, we can enjoy life (and maybe an occasional glass of wine) without compromising our health.
So here’s my toast: To grace over guilt, curiosity over judgment, and balance over excess. Cheers!
I hope you find this article insightful and empowering. Here's to making informed choices about our health and well-being!
Resources
- Surging Estrogen Levels Could Drive Women To "Binge-Drinking
- Preclinical Research Reveals Elevated Estrogen Levels
- Dr. Anna Cabeca Speaker Global Woman Summit
- The Healing Power of Fun - Dr. Anna Cabeca
- I Was So Angry I Wanted To Scream! - Dr. Anna Cabeca
- Couch Talk with Dr. Anna Cabeca 123: How to Be Confident As Fu*k w
- From Stressed to Blessed - Dr. Anna Cabeca
- Navigating Menopause: Functional Hormones, Libido, and Sexual
- Preclinical Study Finds Surges in Estrogen Promote Binge Drinking
- Dr. Anna Cabeca - Women's Sexual Health & Hormones Products
- The Healing Power of Fun - Dr. Anna Cabeca
- 130: The Link Between Your Beliefs & Your Longevity w/ Dr. Mario
