Does drinking alcohol increase period cramps? Let’s find out the truth

We all dread our period days, don’t we? Mood swings, cramps, severe backache, and what not pins us down during this time. We want to reach out to anything and everything that helps us mellow down the sinister symptoms of PMS.

But today we want to warn you about something that you must stay away from, especially when you’re on your periods. Alcohol, yes that’s the word. When aunt Flo strikes, make sure to keep all types of alcohol out of sight.

That’s because when you are on your period, muscle cramps are already bothersome. And alcohol just makes it worse!

It’s true, confirms a top gynaecologist

According to Dr Swati Gaikwad, consultant obstetrician & gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospital, Pune, drinking alcohol on a regular basis can worsen your cramps owing to increased water retention.

“It is shocking that one may even bloat due to the increased water retention in the body. This, in turn, leads to those painful cramps. Not just this, but alcohol consumption leads to dehydration and raises your chances of getting those cramps,” she says.

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Dr Gaikwad adds, “Due to constant cramps and headache, a woman’s periods tend to become lighter. Likewise, periods may become irregular as well. You will have to make those constant trips to the washroom after drinking alcohol, and this frequent urination may also dehydrate those consuming alcohol. Also, your cramps will be there for a longer period, as the cramps can intensify.”

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Drinking a lot of water can save your soul, when you gulp down alcohol

Yes, good old water is all you need to rescue yourself and your uterus from those unbearable cramps. Basically, drinking a lot of water will help to keep you hydrated, and avoid dryness caused by the alcohol. Also, water can improve the density of your blood, because of which it will be easier for your kidneys to filter alcohol out of it.

“Not only this, you will also be surprised to know that your abdominal muscles and even uterus will cramp less, and the pain will be reduced. Hence, it will be a good idea to avoid alcohol during menstruation to keep those notorious cramps at bay,” she suggests.

Some more drawbacks of drinking alcohol during periods

1. Do you know that alcohol can interfere in egg production and thus cause fertility problems? That’s one of the reasons that you should totally refrain from consuming alcohol during periods.
2. Too much alcohol can worsen PMS symptoms. The mood swing can be abrupt; your appetite might also go for a toss, you might feel more irritable, etc.
3. “Sadly, alcohol also thickens the menstrual blood due to dehydration, so expulsion becomes painful,” warns Dr Gaikwad.

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“Dehydration is the main problem, so stay hydrated even if you have had a drink or two,” she concludes.

So ladies, even if you love drinking a glass of wine once in a while, we would recommend you forget about it during my periods!