Drinking alcohol when estrogen levels are surging could compel women to hit the bottle harder, possibly making them 'binge-drink'.
The recent study published in the journal Nature Communications is the first to find that a higher estrogen level in the body promotes 'binge-drinking' behaviour in women by contributing to sex-specific differences.
What are the harmful effects of binge drinking?
Binge drinking poses severe and potentially life-threatening consequences. The harmful effects of binge drinking include: impaired judgment and coordination, increasing the risk of accidents, injuries, and violent behaviour.
It could also lead to serious health issues including:
*Alcohol poisoning
*Seizures
*Blackouts
*Memory loss
Long term effects include:
*Liver damage
*Heart issues
*Increases risks of cancers
*Mental health issues
The research, led by those at Weill Cornell Medicine, US, previously revealed that neurons in a brain region called 'bed nucleus of the stria terminalis', or BNST, were more excitable in female mice, compared to male ones.
The BNST is the central hub for regulating stress-related brain activity, including mood, anxiety and depression.
"Estrogen has such powerful effects on so many behaviours, particularly in females. So, it makes sense that it would also modulate drinking," senior author Kristen Pleil, associate professor of pharmacology at Weill Cornell Medicine, said.
6 ways to stop binge drinking
1. Opt for alcohol alternatives including soda, juice, alcohol-free 'mocktails' or water
2. Keep track of your drinking.
3. Measure your drink. Be aware of the size of the drinks
4. Set weekly or monthly goals and learn how to decline offers of another drink
5. Find healthier alternatives to drinking. Doing yoga, and exercising would keep you active
6. Seek support to help you control your misuse of alcohol
