Search resultsThe effects of moderate alcohol consumption on female hormone levels and reproductive function
Title
The effects of moderate alcohol consumption on female hormone levels and reproductive function
Publication type
Journal Article
Year of Publication
2000
Authors
Journal
Alcohol and Alcoholism
Volume
35
Issue
5
Pagination
417 - 423
Date published
2000
ISBN
07350414 (ISSN)
Keywords
alcohol, alcohol consumption, Alcohol Drinking, alcohol metabolism, aromatization, Estradiol, estrogen, estrogen blood level, Estrogens, estrone, Female, female fertility, fertility, gonadorelin, hormone substitution, hormone urine level, human, menopause, menstrual cycle, oral contraceptive agent, postmenopause, premenopause, priority journal, progesterone, progesterone blood level, review, Sex Hormones, testosterone
Abstract
Studies that have investigated the effect of moderate alcohol consumption on the level of oestrogens and progesterone in both pre- and post-menopausal women are reviewed. It is concluded that several lines of evidence point to an alcohol-induced rise in natural or synthetic oestrogen levels in women. Proposed mechanisms include an increased rate of aromatization of testosterone or a decreased rate of oxidation of oestradiol to oestrone. Moderate alcohol consumption has also been linked to decreased progesterone levels in pre-menopausal women. The relevance of these findings to female health, fertility and the timing of the menopause is considered.