What are the Longer-Term Effects?  

For women who are <STRONG>menopausal</STRONG> there are some benefits of drinking moderate amounts of alcohol, particularly if they are at risk of heart disease. Drinking a lot over many years can affect the way a person's body absorbs vitamins, leaving them malnourished. This has an unhealthy effect on the immune system, as well as leading to liver damage. Without a healthy immune system people can be more vulnerable to infectious diseases. <br><br><STRONG>Cirrhosis </STRONG>of the liver is a condition that means the liver is not removing impurities from the blood (i.e. no longer acting as a filter). The condition is often caused by heavy drinking, and can be fatal if the person continues to drink. Cirrhosis of the liver caused by heavy drinking takes a significantly shorter period of time to develop in women as compared to men (13 years for women compared to 22 years for men). <br><br>A number of studies have looked at <STRONG>breast cancer </STRONG>rates and alcohol consumption. Al

For women who are menopausal there are some benefits of drinking moderate amounts of alcohol, particularly if they are at risk of heart disease. Drinking a lot over many years can affect the way a person's body absorbs vitamins, leaving them malnourished. This has an unhealthy effect on the immune system, as well as leading to liver damage. Without a healthy immune system people can be more vulnerable to infectious diseases.

Cirrhosis of the liver is a condition that means the liver is not removing impurities from the blood (i.e. no longer acting as a filter). The condition is often caused by heavy drinking, and can be fatal if the person continues to drink. Cirrhosis of the liver caused by heavy drinking takes a significantly shorter period of time to develop in women as compared to men (13 years for women compared to 22 years for men).

A number of studies have looked at breast cancer rates and alcohol consumption. Alcohol almost certainly is a risk factor for breast cancer. There appears to be a link between even light to moderate drinking and an increased risk of breast cancer in pre-menopausal women. There is definitely an increased risk for heavier drinkers. This risk increases if the woman also smokes and is using oral contraceptives.

Heavier drinkers may be putting themselves at greater risk of suffering from osteoporosis. Calcium relies on vitamin D to strengthen bones. Alcohol impairs the way the body uses vitamin D consequently heavy drinkers often suffer from bone damage.