Alcohol, hormones, and postmenopausal women

Many women fake supplemental estrogens after menopause, a practice called h ormone replacement therapy (HRT). Moderate alcohol consumption may increase estrogen levels in women receiving HRT, potentially affecting their risk f or various adverse health effects. Two recent studies, however, provide no strong evidence for an effect of alcohol on hormones in postmenopausal wome n. The possible association between alcohol consumption and risk of cancer of the breast does not appear to be mediated by estrogens. Both estrogens a nd moderate alcohol consumption have been associated with a decreased risk for cardiovascular disease; however, alcohol's beneficial effect on heart d isease does not appear to involve hormonal mechanisms. Additional research is needed to define the consequences of moderate drinking on hormone levels after menopause.