Alcohol is a huge topic of discussion in Scotland. Challenges like Dry January and Sober October may help Scots go teetotal for a while, but going back on the drink, at any level can exacerbate existing health problems.
In 2023, 1,277 people died from alcohol-specific causes in Scotland, which is the highest number since 2008. This is equivalent to about one death every day, according to Alcohol Focus Scotland.
Alcohol’s impact on health issues can differ among men and women and it can make menopause symptoms worse. These symptoms include hot flashes and night sweats, mood swings, insomnia and sexual changes.
Ruari Fairbairns is the Scottish CEO and Founder of OYNB – One Year No Beer – which aims to help change the UK’s relationship with alcohol. Sitting down with TV presenter Davina McCall for her ‘Begin Again’ podcast, Ruari discussed the root causes of addiction – and how alcohol is “kryptonite” for women going through the change.
“You are five times more likely to have significant menopause symptoms if you are regularly consuming alcohol,” Ruari revealed. “The limit is six drinks of wine a week. That’s nothing.”
Davina clarifies: “And that isn’t like saying, ‘you should be drinking six glasses of wine a week’. That is the limit,” before adding: “You’ve just confirmed with a stat something I hear and see – women feel worse symptom wise but… it appears they are processing alcohol in a completely different way because the hangovers appear… much worse”.
Ruari continues: “We need to have more conversations like this to say to people, this is only making it [the menopause] worse. What is insidious about alcohol is for everything people take alcohol for, alcohol takes away.
“I have social anxiety, alcohol makes me feel greater social anxiety… I’m struggling with the menopause, I need to have a drink to soothe me… but alcohol makes everything worse.”
Around 400,000 women in Scotland are of menopausal age.
If you’re worried about your own or someone else’s drinking, call 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am to 8pm, weekends 11am to 4pm). Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a free self-help group.
Don’t miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond – Sign up to our newsletterhere.