Hangover Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Hangover, including details on alcohol, treatment, drugs, effects.

Moderate alcohol consumption contributes to women's well-being through the menopausal transition.

Alati R, Dunn N, Purdie DM, Roche AM, Dennerstein L, Darlington SJ, Guthrie JR, Green AC

School of Population Health, University of Queensland.

Objectives To examine the association of alcohol consumption with well-being in mid-aged Australian women, taking into account other lifestyle factors. Methods A prospective, observational study was carried out among 438 urban Australian women aged 45-55 years at baseline. They were assessed annually for 8 years using a questionnaire on health and lifestyle, including self-ratings of well-being and daily 'hassles'. Statistical analyses were performed using cluster and repeated measures analyses. Results About 80% of the women had consumed alcohol in the week preceding the interview. Alcohol intake was weakly associated with well-being overall (p = 0.094). Women who consumed alcohol at moderate levels had higher well-being scores than non-drinkers or heavy drinkers, however, provided they were also non-smokers and exercised weekly or more (p for interaction = 0.023) (21% of all study participants). Everyday symptoms and stresses had a negative impact on well-being (all p values < 0.001). Conclusions Among women undergoing menopausal transition, well-being is positively associated with moderate alcohol consumption along with other lifestyle factors in a synergistic fashion, rather than any individual factor having a dominant or an independent effect.

Published 30 November 2007 in Climacteric, 10(6): 491-9.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2004-2008 Hangover Research Today. All Rights Reserved.