Moderate drug interaction between nicotine and estradiol. Drinking while taking estradiol is not recommended. Alcohol can raise the body's estrogen levels, increasing the risk of breast cancer. If you're currently undergoing hormone replacement therapy (HRT), you might wonder if having a glass of wine with dinner or an occasional treat during happy hour could affect to your results.
The short answer? Yes, alcohol can interfere with hormone therapy, often in unexpected ways. Even moderate drinking can influence hormone levels, liver function, sleep, and overall treatment effectiveness. This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your healthcare provider a list of all the medications, herbs, over-the-counter drugs, or dietary supplements you use.
Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medication. You can eat and drink normally while you are taking continuous combined hormone replacement therapy. Try to follow a healthy diet, as this can help alleviate menopausal symptoms and keep you healthy.
The risk of myocardial infarction and stroke, including those related to the use of oral contraceptives and the use of some estrogens, is increased in patients with hypertension. Some estrogen-based therapies, such as combined hormonal contraceptives, may be contraindicated in patients with uncontrolled hypertension or with hypertension with vascular disease. You can drink alcohol while taking hormone therapy, but it may help to reduce caffeine and alcohol consumption during menopause to reduce symptoms of blushing and improve sleep. However, when you undergo hormone therapy, especially during perimenopause or menopause, your body is more sensitive to alcohol, so even drink in moderation may interfere with treatment.
These and other studies have linked HRT to a higher risk of certain forms of cancer, such as breast and ovarian cancer in women taking combined HRT, and endometrial and ovarian cancer in women taking HRT with estrogen alone. When this organ is busy filtering alcohol, all of its resources are occupied, reducing its ability to effectively process estrogen and progesterone. As menopause approaches, levels of the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone decrease, causing symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, and vaginal dryness. But what about other forms of hormonal hormone therapy and alcohol? Thanks to the liver-hampering effects described above, drinking while taking any medication can have serious consequences.
Alcohol also increases estrogen levels, which can intensify hormonal fluctuations and interfere with the way the body processes HRT. Patients should be monitored for changes in cardiovascular status and their antihypertensive regimen adjusted or estrogen therapy discontinued as needed.
