ALCOHOLISM AMONG POST-MENOPAUSAL WOMEN

Alcoholism among post-menopausal women



It would surprise you to note that many of my 'above-50' female patients are chronic alcoholics. I'm following quite a number for Liver Cirrhosis secondary to alcoholism. I see their daughters cry when they open up to me about their mothers drinking behaviour and how they had tried to no avail to help them quit drinking.  I have also admitted quite a number in alcoholic coma; drinking till someone passes out completely.

All these women have many things in common. All are above the age of 50, all are widows and only started drinking after the passing of their husbands, all have inherited quite a lot of property and land, all have extremely responsible and well behaved daughters who bring them to hospital and wash them when they pick them from the streets(meaning they were extremely responsible mothers during their productive age).


So what makes them develop this disturbing behaviour? Is it the freedom that suddenly comes with the passing of their husbands? Is it the unlimited control of inherited property? Is it in course of countering the stress that comes with body changes in menopause? Is it the increased loneliness that comes with losing their spouses?Or is it just a mid-50 crisis among women?

I researched on this online to satisfy my curiosity and also to understand my patients better.

The hormonal changes occurring during menopause may lead to uncomfortable emotions. The woman may also have many concerns and fears about what is happening to them such as:

* It is common for women to feel sad because their child bearing years are coming to an end. For many women this will have been an important aspect of their identity

* Menopause is a reminder to women that they are getting older

* The woman can feel less attractive because of the things happening in their body

* They may worry that their low libido due to menopausal changes is going to be permanent

* It is common for women to become easily irritated

* They may feel excessively nostalgic for their younger days and younger bodies

* Women can feel anxious because their body is doing things out of their control like hot flashes and temper fits

* They may experience an identity crisis

Woman use different strategies to help them cope with the emotions of menopause. Unfortunately, some women may turn to negative coping strategies such as alcohol abuse.


So how does one deal with the change that come with menopause.
* Techniques such as meditation are great for helping people cope with stress and anxieties and it can also make it easier to sleep at night.

* Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) mainly estrogen can make a difference for people who are struggling with the symptoms of menopause.

* Night sedatives like Piriton  may help people sleep better at night

* Some women may need to begin taking antidepressants if their symptoms are too disruptive. They will need to speak to their psychiatrist or psychologist for this.

* Regular exercise and walking can improve mental and physical symptoms.

* Avoiding spicy food and hot beverages may lead to a reduced incidence of hot flashes.

* Having support groups with their agemates going through the same phase can be a good coping mechanism .


I hope this post helps to highlight a common problem in our society that we have not been keen on. I hope it will help a struggling postmenopausal lady or help the rest of us in the future when our golden years come. Let me know what you think!!!