A glass of wine? Yes, please... or maybe...

A glass of wine with lunch or dinner, lively chats with friends, or a bubbly prosecco to lift the mood—how wonderfully familiar! Who doesn’t want to savor a fine drink in a lovely glass, especially when it can add elegance to an Instagram photo with a stunning mountain or city view in the background?

Gone are the days when, at twenty, the worth of alcohol was measured by its price and availability. Those carefree times, when a paracetamol could brighten the outlook on life after a night of revelry, seem far away now. As I move through the changes of menopause, my relationship with alcohol has shifted dramatically.

While I’ve never been fond of strong drinks and find no joy in beer, I’ve also discovered that cocktails and sweet drinks bring on migraines. In recent years, even my favorite dry reds and whites have begun to cause heart palpitations, disturb my sleep, and intensify hot flashes, leaving me drained the next day.

With the drop in estrogen and the hormonal changes we experience at this stage of life, our bodies have less tolerance for alcohol. This shift brings a higher risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, and other issues, all made worse by drinking. After an evening of indulging, I often wake up with a puffy face, a clear sign of how my body reacts. Even a simple headache tablet doesn’t work as quickly as it used to.

Though I haven’t completely given up on my favorite drinks, I now indulge much less frequently. I still enjoy a glass of wine during special dinners, share a prosecco with friends, or sip a light cocktail while traveling, but these occasions are now far more rare. Experts suggest that women in menopause should limit their alcohol to one glass a day, and I've found that embracing moderation can still allow for enjoyment. The saying “better less, but of higher quality” truly applies now more than ever.