Why drinking alcohol affects women more than men

A man, for example, can be a heavy drinker for 20 to 30 years and have moderate difficulties, but a woman can be a heavy drinker for only five years and develop moderate health issues, says Dr Manish Machave, Consulting Obstetrician, Gynaecologist & Gynaecological Endoscopic Surgeon, Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune

Women are more at risk of developing a drinking problem later in life. (Source: Unsplash)

Men and women differ dramatically not merely in their proclivity for alcohol misuse but also in their physiological response to alcohol. Epidemiological evidence suggests that nearly 20 per cent of adult males have alcohol abuse or suffer from alcoholism-related complications. On the other hand, only about 6 per cent of adult females are alcoholic or abuse alcohol on a regular basis. Yet they suffer more health consequences.

How do physiological differences between men and women affect alcohol metabolism?

Alcohol is mainly detoxified by alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2) in the liver, which are different in both men and women. Also, women may be more sensitive to the ethanol metabolic product acetaldehyde-induced cardiac contractile depression, which may contribute to the sex difference in alcoholic cardiomyopathy.

Why are women more vulnerable to developing brain health issues, heart attacks and liver disease from prolonged alcohol consumption?

The consequences associated with heavy drinking are accelerated in women. A man, for example, can be a heavy drinker for 20 to 30 years and have moderate difficulties, but a woman can be a heavy drinker for only five years and have moderate problems.

Women are more at risk of developing a drinking problem later in life. They are also at a greater risk of developing alcohol-related health problems as they get older due their physiology. Scientists have discovered that women produce smaller quantities of an enzyme called alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), which is released in the liver and breaks down alcohol in the body.

Meanwhile, alcohol is absorbed by fat and dispersed by water. Women have a more severe physiological response to alcohol due to their naturally larger amounts of body fat and lower levels of body water.

That’s why women achieve higher levels of alcohol in their blood after drinking equivalent amounts of alcohol as men.

What are the severe consequences of alcohol use during pregnancy, including the risks of miscarriage, stillbirth, pre-term birth and foetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs)?

Alcohol in the mother’s blood passes to the baby through the umbilical cord. Pregnancy alcohol usage can result in miscarriage, stillbirth and a variety of lasting physical, behavioural and intellectual problems. These conditions are referred to as foetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). FASD children may exhibit the following features and behaviours:

1) A smooth ridge between the nose and top lip (called the philtrum) is an abnormal facial feature.

2) Small head size

3) Shorter than average height

4) Low body weight

5) Poor coordination

6) Hyperactive behaviour

7) Difficulty with attention

8) Poor memory

9) Difficulty in school (especially with math)

10) Learning disabilities

11) Speech and language delays

12) Intellectual disability or low IQ

13) Poor reasoning and judgment skills

14) Sleep and sucking problems as a baby

15) Vision or hearing problems

16) Problems with the heart, kidney, or bones

How can we raise awareness and promote healthier choices regarding alcohol consumption?

With the ubiquity of alcohol consumption, detecting alcohol addiction in a loved one or even oneself may be difficult. Having a general alcohol awareness can encourage you to recognize the symptoms of alcohol addiction. Start conversations: One of the most effective ways to raise awareness about alcohol is to start conversations with family, friends and co-workers. You can discuss the dangers of excessive drinking, share personal stories and discuss ways to promote responsible drinking habits.

How can you stop drinking?