Is It PMS Or Pinot? Why You Might Be Craving A Drink More Before Your Period

Lately, I've seen something strangely consistent in my circle of girlfriends, the sudden need to open a glass of wine, and not any day, but just when our periods are about to come. We'd tease about it, "Is it PMS or Pinot?" but beneath the joke, there was a common reality, we were all grabbing a drink with more frequency during that pre-period stage. It seemed emotional, reckless, and oddly ritualistic.At first, I attributed it to stress or coincidence. But one by one, the same pattern repeated among my friends: irritability, cravings for food, and yes, for even more potent-than-usual alcohol cravings several days prior to menstruation. It wasn't about being tipsy — it was about calming something deeper.And now, science has finally caught up with what we’ve been quietly experiencing for years. A recent study confirms that our hormones — especially that cocktail of high estrogen and low progesterone before ovulation may actually heighten our alcohol cravings. It’s not all in our heads after all. It’s biology.Reading that was a moment of truth. It was satisfying to understand that what we felt wasn't weakness or insufficient willpower, but a true, hormonal change influencing our brain's reward system. This study has opened the door to knowing our bodies better and to finally showing ourselves a little grace rather than guilt.Because if our hormones are manning the bar, maybe it's high time we spoke with our biology before we beat up on ourselves for that second glass of wine.For most women, the pre-period days bring a familiar mix of symptoms—bloating, moodiness, exhaustion, and cravings. But with chocolate or chips, have you ever caught yourself grabbing for a glass of wine or wanting a cocktail more than you usually do? Science may now have an explanation.A pilot study recently shown at the Research Society on Alcohol's annual conference in New Orleans has shed new light on the relationship between the menstrual cycle and alcohol craving. The researchers discovered that shifts in hormones at some points during the cycle, when estrogen is high and progesterone is low, might raise the risk of alcohol craving and even binge drinking.The research, conducted under the leadership of Layne Robinson, doctoral student in clinical psychology at the University of Kentucky, involved 61 women between the ages of 21 and 35 who drank alcohol two or more times a week. Participants completed daily self-reports of alcohol consumption and craving, as well as saliva and urine samples to monitor hormone levels and ovulation.Research indicated that women tended to crave alcohol when they were in their late follicular phase, which is right before ovulation. When this happens, levels of estrogen (estradiol, in particular) increase while progesterone is low."We do know that rises in estradiol, the most potent of the estrogens, can modify the activity of dopamine in the brain," Robinson stated. "These modifications to dopamine neurotransmission increase sensitivity to reward, which is one of the main mechanisms of substance craving and use."This implies that women might be more biologically susceptible to cravings and impulsive behaviors—such as drinking—during this stage of their menstrual cycle.Can Drinking During Your Period Make PMS Worse?While a glass of wine may be the ideal remedy for period stress, it may be causing more harm than good. Alcohol can affect hormone levels by stimulating estrogen and testosterone release. These spikes can make PMS symptoms worse, such as mood swings, anxiety, and irritability.Alcohol also impacts the balance of prostaglandins—hormone-like substances that control inflammation and pain. In its disturbed state, they can heighten menstrual cramps. Indeed, alcohol is a diuretic, which causes more urination and may lead to dehydration—a primary cause of cramping and bloating.Heavy or chronic drinking may even disrupt your cycle completely. Alcohol, when used regularly, upsets the delicate estrogen-progesterone balance required for ovulation and menstruation. This may result in abnormal periods or even amenorrhea (no menstruation). When couples are trying to conceive, the effect of alcohol on hormone balance can increase the chances against conception.Alcohol also affects how your body handles menstrual blood. When you drink and become dehydrated, blood and mucus can thicken, which may make periods more painful.Why You Need Alcohol During Menstruation?One of the strongest theories from Robinson's research is about dopamine—the brain's pleasure neurotransmitter. Estradiol is said to enhance dopamine activity, making the brain's reward response more heightened."Estradiol and alcohol consumption have been shown to rise when estradiol levels are high and progesterone levels are low," Robinson explained. As dopamine levels surge, our brain is more sensitive to rewards—and alcohol, a substance that releases dopamine, is particularly enticing.This link may be why, on the eve of ovulation, you might catch yourself suddenly craving not only sweets or salty treats, but a glass of wine or a cocktail.Should You Totally Avoid Alcohol Before Your Period?While the occasional drink is usually fine, women need to understand how the cycle can impact drinking. If you realize that you're going to want to drink more in a specific phase, you can make better-informed decisions to limit risk.Robinson points out that knowledge of "risky" times for alcohol craving may assist women in taking preventive measures, i.e., keeping away from places where alcohol is easily found, or scheduling other activities such as physical exercise or social gathering without alcohol.Medications that stabilize hormones could also someday be used as part of treatment for alcohol use disorders in women, but more studies need to be conducted before these therapies become the norm.Managing Period Cravings the Healthy WayIf you are attempting to reduce alcohol intake—particularly while you're on your time—it's beneficial to control cravings with food and lifestyle habits:Lean protein: Regulates blood sugar and makes you feel full longerComplex carbs: Whole grains, lentils, and legumes can leave you feeling full and curb sugar cravingsHydration: Increased water intake can curb cramps and decrease bloatingFood high in nutrients: Dairy, leafy greens, and fortified foods can restore important nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and ironVitamins: B vitamins, Vitamin D, and Vitamin E have been shown to assist with mood and cravings in PMSExercise: Routine physical activity increases endorphins and lessens tension, allowing you to better cope with hormonal changesRobinson's work fills a crucial part of our knowledge about women's health: cravings and drug use patterns might not be all about behavior—they're also physiological. Although more research is required to understand the connection between estrogen, dopamine, and drinking, initial findings indicate that understanding your body's hormonal cycles can guide you to make better, healthier decisions.The next time you crave a Pinot just before your period, take a moment to ask yourself- is it really you, or are your hormones speaking?

Is It PMS Or Pinot? Why You Might Be Craving A Drink More Before Your Period

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