Why do women drink more under the influence of hormones? 🍸

Could estrogen, key hormones in the menstrual cycle, explain why some women tend to consume more alcohol? A recent study explores this intriguing link, revealing unexpected brain mechanisms.


Researchers have discovered that high levels of estrogen increase the activity of certain neurons in female mice, prompting them to drink more alcohol. This increased neural activity, observed in a brain region called the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), appears to be directly linked to excessive consumption, especially within 30 minutes of the first intake.

The study, published in Nature Communications, shows that estrogen acts quickly by binding to receptors on the surface of neurons. This interaction modulates communication between cells, promoting binge drinking behavior (excessive alcohol consumption over a short period). This phenomenon is particularly pronounced during hormonal peaks in the menstrual cycle.

Scientists have also identified a potential treatment: inhibiting the enzyme responsible for estrogen synthesis. This treatment, already used against certain cancers, could reduce excessive alcohol consumption in women during periods of high hormonal activity.

This research highlights a major difference between the sexes in alcohol-related behaviors. While most studies focus on men, these results underscore the importance of better understanding female-specific issues, particularly in the face of increased health risks.

The consequences of excessive alcohol consumption are severe, ranging from neurological disorders to cardiovascular diseases. In France, alcohol is responsible for 41,000 deaths per year, a figure that underscores the urgency of finding solutions tailored to each profile.

By exploring this hormonal mechanism, researchers are paving the way for new therapeutic approaches. Combined with neural modulators, this treatment could offer a targeted solution for alcohol-related disorders, particularly in women.

This study marks a significant advance in understanding female behaviors related to alcohol. It also reminds us of the importance of continuing research to adapt treatments to the specificities of each individual.

How do hormones influence behaviors?

Hormones, such as estrogen, act as chemical messengers in the body, regulating numerous physiological and behavioral processes. They interact with specific receptors to influence cellular activity.

In the brain, hormones can alter the excitability of neurons, thereby affecting functions like mood, motivation, or decision-making. For example, estrogen increases the activity of certain brain areas, which may explain behaviors like excessive alcohol consumption.

These effects can be rapid, via receptors on the cell surface, or slower, by altering gene expression. This duality allows hormones to act on both immediate reactions and long-term changes.

Understanding these mechanisms is essential for developing targeted treatments, particularly for mood, stress, or addiction-related disorders, while considering hormonal differences between individuals.