Why do I get hangovers more easily in my 50s, according to Dr. Monica Christmas?

Dr. Christmas explains that metabolic changes and reduced muscle mass as people age lead to less alcohol tolerance and more severe hangovers.

How does alcohol affect women in perimenopause, according to the University of Chicago Medicine?

The University of Chicago Medicine notes alcohol can exacerbate perimenopausal symptoms like anxiety, mood swings, and sleep disruption.

Is alcohol a carcinogen like tobacco, as stated by Johns Hopkins?

Yes, Johns Hopkins researcher Johannes Thrul confirms alcohol is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen, similar to tobacco and asbestos.

Home / Health / Middle Age Hangovers? Science Explains Why

Middle Age Hangovers? Science Explains Why

8 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Alcohol tolerance decreases with age due to metabolic changes.
Reduced muscle mass means alcohol lingers longer in the body.
Alcohol can worsen menopausal symptoms like anxiety and sleep issues.

Middle Age Hangovers? Science Explains Why

Our capacity to process alcohol declines significantly as we enter middle age. This shift is primarily driven by age-related metabolic changes, including less efficient liver enzymes responsible for breaking down alcohol.

Furthermore, a natural decrease in muscle mass, replaced by fatty tissue, plays a crucial role. Muscle helps dilute alcohol, so less muscle means alcohol remains concentrated in the bloodstream for extended periods, intensifying its effects and prolonging hangovers.

This phenomenon affects both men and women, but for women, particularly those in perimenopause, alcohol can amplify hormonal fluctuations, worsening symptoms like mood swings, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Experts emphasize that reducing alcohol intake as we age is vital due to increasing health risks, including cancer and cognitive decline.

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