HRT and Alcohol

[Denni]

Just received my OK for the start of HRT, during discussion with my care provider he mentioned cutting alcohol use to maybe one or two beer's a week at most. I have not seen this discussed previously, how have others been instructed and what have others experienced? I am a social drinker, typically have a beer or drink in the evening before dinner and then a beer or glass of wine with dinner. If we dine out, we might have three or four, it is never more than that. Your thoughts and comments are appreciated in advance.

[becky.rw]

I'd obey the advice given by the professional who is busy trying to give you a new shot at life and not kill you at the same time...

[DawnOday]

I stopped cold turkey 30 years ago. I could not present the drunk, drugged baffoon to my children. My higher power. I speak of this with experience sleeping in phone booths. Remember them? Pass out on the school yard lawn while sprinklers go sht, sht, sht on my head. It's good you can limit yourself. In my case it was get as drunk as I can get. Loved going to Shakeys and chugging 5-6 pitchers. In my little group I always won the contest to finish the pitcher the fastest. Now that's a real talent. Oh the other talent from drinking? Puking. I love the feel of warm puke in my lap. (Sarcasm). I know you asked for advice and I immediately went on about me. So here goes, With diabetes on the rise one of the leading contributors to high blood sugar is alcohol. Diabetes sucks as who wants to inject themselves 3-5 times a day. Who wants to sweat, feel weak and dizzy if you overdose. Not me. Been there done that.

[Lady Sarah]

Since my back and hip pain is so severe, and no doctor will prescribe anything that might give relief, I enjoy the occasional glass of Chardonnay. That being said, I don't drink often, and never enough to get drunk. I have not seen any ill effects from it. Moderation seems to be the key.

If the doctors I am working with will operate, and fix the damage to my spine well enough, I know I'll drink even less frequently. I have never been alcoholic.

[Barb99]

Just received my OK for the start of HRT, during discussion with my care provider he mentioned cutting alcohol use to maybe one or two beer's a week at most. I have not seen this discussed previously, how have others been instructed and what have others experienced? I am a social drinker, typically have a beer or drink in the evening before dinner and then a beer or glass of wine with dinner. If we dine out, we might have three or four, it is never more than that. Your thoughts and comments are appreciated in advance.

You pretty much just described my alcohol use. I've been on HRT for 16 months and the alcohol has not hurt a thing. The HRT effects have been very good for me. ( some hip development would be nice, but I guess we can't have everything!)
You will probably find that HRT will cut your tolerance for alcohol. I used to be able to drink just about anyone under the table. Now social drinking is about all I can handle, which is great BTW because I don't feel the need to drink that much anymore!

[Dena]

You could put everything I have ever drank into a shot glass with room to spare but I alway receive that warning because both HRT and alcohol can damage the liver and so you are asked to limit your intake. I suspect some people violate the order and commonly get away with it but should your blood test come back with issues, you may need to quit both HRT and alcohol. Let the buyer beware.

[Paige]

I alway receive that warning because both HRT and alcohol can damage the liver and so you are asked to limit your intake.

Hi Dena,

So my understanding is that you only need to worry about your liver if you take E by pill and not sublingual.  Am I correct to assume that anything that avoids the liver first pass, should be okay then and you are at no more risk than anyone else drinking alcohol?

Just curious,
Paige

[Dena]

What the first pass doesn't get, the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th 6th and so on will get a crack at it. The first pass gets undiluted estrogen from the intestinal track but subsequent passes will see it all but in a more diluted form. In a woman, much of the month her estrogen levels may be pretty low and they only rise above our for a few days out of the month. Our levels remain high and constant the entire month so we have more exposure.

[Lady_Oracle]

I'm of the opinion you should just stop cold turkey for as long as possible to ensure the best possible response from hrt. The first year of hrt is incredibly taxing on your body in general, no reason to add to that weight. Not everyone reacts the same either, so some can drink no problem while on hrt but I personally like to err on the side of caution since you really dont know how much your response to alcohol will change. Moderation is always ideal but easier said than done and if you've had past addiction issues even more of a reason to just stay away.

[SueNZ]

Hi Denni,
You have been given a choice, it's up to you and you're life which path you choose. For me I would choose the HRT path as that is the goal.
I can't have that path so social drinking for me.
You need to decide which is more important for YOU.
Stay strong.


Cheers Sue.

[Jacqueline]

Congratulations on starting HRT. That's great.

I was not given such a strong warning.

However, I do find that my tolerance level has decreased.

I think I could cut it out if I wanted but so far my blood levels are good and I kind of like a drink every other day or so.

With warmth,

Joanna

[Denni]

Thanks for all of the thoughts and comments. Have decided to cut back to maybe a drink every other day or so as Joana suggested and see where my blood work is after the initial 30 days. If it shows that I need to change so be it, my health is more important than the enjoyment of a drink every now and then. Alcohol consumption seems to be such a moving target in the health care industry, where one doctor will tell you if you have more than two beers a day you have a problem, and the next will tell you after a six pack you should start to worry. Of course everyone in this community does not need to be reminded of the variances in treatment do we? Hugs