The effects of moderate alcohol consumption on female hormone levels and reproductive function

Studies that have investigated the effect of moderate alcohol consumption o n the level of oestrogens and progesterone in both pre- and post-menopausal women are reviewed. It is concluded that several lines of evidence point t o an alcohol-induced rise in natural or synthetic oestrogen levels in women . Proposed mechanisms include an increased rate of aromatization of testost erone or a decreased rate of oxidation of oestradiol to oestrone. Moderate alcohol consumption has also been linked to decreased progesterone levels i n pre-menopausal women. The relevance of these findings to female health, f ertility and the timing of the menopause is considered.