Because each person's body reacts differently, the amount and type of alcohol that can trigger symptoms can vary from person to person. (Image: Shutterstock)
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a condition in which the ovaries produce an abnormal amount of androgens, leading to the formation of cysts in the ovaries.
When it comes to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), many questions arise about what can help manage the condition and what could make it worse. A common question is whether it is safe to drink alcohol when you have PCOS. According to Healthline, PCOS is a condition in which the ovaries produce an abnormal amount of androgens, leading to the formation of cysts in the ovaries. These cysts can cause a variety of symptoms, including irregular menstrual cycles, acne, obesity, and mood swings. Managing these symptoms often requires significant diet and lifestyle changes.
However, alcohol consumption is a factor that can complicate the treatment of PCOS, says dietitian Tallene Hacatoryan.
“Since we all have unique bodies with PCOS, certain amounts and types of alcohol can trigger us differently from one Cyster to another. For example, alcohol with sugary mixtures can increase our blood sugar level and trigger our insulin resistance or inflammatory symptoms. However, the good news is that there are gluten-free and dairy-free options,” he explains.
In his post, he also points out the reason why alcohol consumption can worsen PCOS symptoms.
Alcohol is known to be high in carbohydrates and sugar, which can be particularly hard on the body. For people with PCOS, drinking alcohol can exacerbate symptoms. When consumed, alcohol raises blood sugar levels, causes inflammation, and disrupts hormonal regulation. This can lead to more menstrual irregularities, which are already a common problem among people with PCOS.
Additionally, PCOS can put a lot of pressure on the liver. Adding alcohol to the mix only doubles this stress, making women with PCOS more prone to liver disease. Depression is another common symptom of PCOS, and alcohol consumption can make it worse and lead to further deterioration in mental health.
Certain types of alcohol, such as red wine and beer, are high in carbohydrates. This can lead to increased insulin levels and insulin resistance, further contributing to menstrual irregularity. Because each person's body reacts differently, the amount and type of alcohol that can trigger symptoms can vary from person to person. For example, alcohol with sugary mixtures can increase blood sugar levels and trigger insulin resistance or inflammatory symptoms in some people.
Dietitian Tallene Hacatoryan suggests that moderation is essential when it comes to alcohol and PCOS. She advises eliminating alcohol for 30 days and then reintroducing it slowly to understand how much you can tolerate without triggering symptoms. She further adds that the American Heart Association recommends moderation be around 4 ounces of wine per day.
However, as you begin to manage PCOS symptoms, it may be wise to limit alcohol to a couple of drinks per week to see how your body reacts. Once you better understand how alcohol affects you, you can assess whether a moderate amount is manageable without worsening your symptoms.
