Most studies have found that men are not only more likely to drink alcohol but more likely to consume greater amounts. And yet women are at greater risk of developing alcohol-related problems, and are more affected when they drink.

Because women's bodies have less water than men's, alcohol is less diluted, making women more susceptible to the impairments caused by alcohol. They are also more susceptible to alcohol-related organ damage for this same reason.

Reproductive function can also be affected, especially during puberty. Studies have found that normal reproductive development can be hindered in someone who drinks moderate amounts of alcohol on a regular basis. Heavy drinking can cause disruptions in the menstrual cycle, and increase the risk of infertility and miscarriages.

Because the body is still developing during the teenage years, adolescent girls who drink heavily may hinder development of a region of the brain called the hippocampus. This area is associated with memory and learning, and studies have found that it's noticeably smaller in girls who abuse alcohol.

Pregnant women who drink run the risk of having a child with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). FAS children not only have significant behavioral and/or learning disabilities, but their growth is often retarded. Even small amounts of alcohol consumption have been shown to affect learning and behavior. In fact, studies have not yet found a "safe minimum," at which exposure to alcohol doesn't negatively affect an unborn child.

One good thing alcohol can do for women is reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death among American women, causing one out of every three deaths. The risk to women is highest after menopause, possibly due to decreased levels of estrogen. Studies have found that light or moderate consumption of alcohol could increase estrogen levels, helping prevent coronary heart disease.

Light to moderate alcohol consumption can also reduce the risk of osteoporosis in post-menopausal women. The reasons are thought to be the same; that estrogen is increased, which leads to increased bone density, which then reduces the risk of fracture.

Despite these two potential benefits of light to moderate drinking, in general alcohol consumption is detrimental to a woman's health. Regardless of her age, serious medical consequences can result from excessive drinking. Any woman who struggles with overuse of alcohol should seek help immediately from a trusted friend, medical professional, or alcoholism treatment program.

Labels: alcohol, long-term-effects, women