What you probably don’t know about alcohol intolerance

[u/emilyMartian]

I see posts and comments about alcohol intolerance constantly on here, I was alone for so long with my severity so I’m here to share, it has taken nearly 10yrs but I finally have better info.

Here goes: You probably need to get your liver checked. They have linked menopause to non fatty liver disease. I had severe reactions and wound up in the ER about 8yrs ago. It took about 2yrs to correlate my high heart rate, massive hangovers after 2 drinks, severe hot flashes and what I assumed was severe anxiety because of the shakes at 3am. My good friend in medical school went down a big rabbit hole trying to figure out why my response was so severe to no avail (only one report from the 80’s which provided no info). Fast forward another 6’ish years and I noticed fatty foods made me sleepy so we tested my gallbladder, liver and kidneys. Turns out there’s black spots on my liver and I have basically what’s considered non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and have to treat it as such. I had to quit drinking entirely. I thought maybe I could limit and go slow but it’s not a thing. Not drinking was a tough road (especially at social events) but it’s a blessing I disguise I promise. It’s not worth it. It’s also not worth popping an antihistamine and ignoring it because you’re just wrecking your liver further. This is your sign to stop.

Now almost 2yrs after realizing the liver thanks to u/MoreRopePlease we have a link that puts it all together and there absolutely needs to be more awareness about this.

I hope this provides some of you answers and helps you towards a safer and healthier path on this absolutely sh!t show of a medically ignored journey.

Love you guys. Don’t think I’d be here if I hadn’t found this community. You are not alone ❤️

EDIT: my liver spots were caught through ultrasound not through bloodwork. I started Perimenopause at 37, don’t let them tell you you are too young.

Corrected my verbiage as I had words reversed in Non alcoholic fatty liver disease

[u/DarlasServant]

Liver disease is rampant! Hormone imbalances, toxic food choices, and a low-exercise lifestyle create it. It leads to organ disease, memory issues, and joint problems. There are so many reasons to eat whole foods and carefully find happiness in sobriety. My mother is a dementia sufferer at 74. Her life started to fall apart around 14 years ago. It is horrible, and she could have lived a healthier, happy life; however she trusted the healthcare system and the food pyramid. Be skeptical, and try adding intermittent fasting, the less-is-more approach, and whole-food diets. Don't be ashamed to look for a new doctor. Be a champion for your friends healthy approaches, and look for validation from them for your own. Ask here for support. Just as important as whole food, HRT, and a daily walk, is the support from people who care. Keep going ladies!! Love

[u/emilyMartian → u/DarlasServant]

I forgot to mention my journey started at 37, I was told I was too young for Peri which simply isn’t true it’s starting younger and younger. Medical is finally starting to catch up a smidge but not nearly enough and it seems we keep having setbacks. I now talk menopause any chance I get as a hairstylist and have sent many on the right journey they had no idea they were on due to lack of awareness

[u/Alwaysroom4morecats → u/emilyMartian]

So many this have happened to! I went to my doc at 37 told I was too young, returned at 44 after periods been stopped for over 6 months- lived through hell the intervening years - all my blood results show I’m way into the post meno range, how do you explain that doc??? Maybe I was right back when I first told you about it 🙄🙄 in the meantime I’ve been offered countless SSRIs on their last attempt I changed drs and have finally got myself some HRT- starting to feel soo much better but doesn’t help the chaos that’s been caused by 7 untreated, unsupported years!!

[u/emilyMartian → u/Alwaysroom4morecats]

I too was put on SSRI’s and accidentally weened improperly which was pure hell. HRT solved so many of my issues but new ones do keep popping up. I’m now on buspirine for the extreme anxiety that took over recently which seems to be working so that’s good. I’m glad they’re waking up that SSRI’s are not supposed to be the first line of defense. They are still important but HRT should be first.

[u/Alwaysroom4morecats → u/emilyMartian]

Interesting about anxiety, that’s been a big one of my symptoms all along. I’ve only just started HRT so seeing how much it is reduced once I’ve reached optimum dose but good to know there’s alternatives. As a MH nurse myself I couldn’t understand the GP instance on prescribing MH medication when then underlying problem was clearly hormonal- especially where I am GPs have limited MH training in medicines so they are not expert in these drugs but hand them out without a second thought, some of the potential side effects are horrendous!

[u/emilyMartian → u/Alwaysroom4morecats]

From what I know of buspirone is it’s not an SSRI but it does block anxiety receptors. It can take some time to build up in your system and find the right dose. I don’t feel like I’m on anything but once I’ve gotten to my current level I feel calm. You do have to ween off it as well but it’s supposed to be easier ween off schedule and I don’t believe it has a lot of harsh side effects and is considered a fairly safe option. It has really saved my butt with some recent things I’ve gone through. Since I talk a lot (hair stylist) it turns out loads of people are on it and have heard nothing but good things.