July 2023

Aging Women and Alcohol

There are several factors that can influence tolerance to alcohol in women as they age:

1. Body composition: As women age, body composition changes, including a decrease in muscle mass and an increase in body fat. Alcohol is distributed in body water, so with a higher percentage of body fat, alcohol becomes more concentrated in the blood, leading to a higher blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and lower tolerance.

2. Metabolism: The liver plays a crucial role in metabolizing alcohol. As women age, liver function may decline, leading to a slower metabolism of alcohol. This can result in higher BAC levels and reduced tolerance.

3. Hormonal changes: Estrogen has been suggested to accelerate the metabolism of alcohol, so a decline in estrogen levels can potentially lead to reduced tolerance.

4. Medications and health conditions: As women age, they may have health conditions or take medications that will interact with alcohol. These can include medications for chronic diseases like hypertension or diabetes, which may affect alcohol metabolism and increase the potential for adverse effects.

For more information -Facts About Aging and Alcohol