More Than One Drink a Day Can Wreck Your Period.

A 2015 prospective cohort study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition followed 259 women and found that those who drank more than one drink per day had a 49% increased risk of heavy menstrual bleeding. Alcohol boosts estrogen levels, which thickens the uterine lining—leading to more blood to shed during menstruation.

Even worse, alcohol’s dehydrating and inflammatory effects may intensify menstrual cramps. Though direct studies are limited, evidence shows that alcohol can trigger hormonal imbalances, amplify uterine contractions, and worsen pain during periods. Inflammation and dehydration are known to aggravate menstrual distress, and alcohol does both.

Skip the alcohol during your period. It might save you from heavier bleeding and unnecessary pain.