Experts have shared how a common indulgence may be having a bigger impact on our bodies than previously thought.
While many of us enjoy a drink, sadly if you do drink then the medical evidence is now clear that it is just bad for you, sorry folks.
Medical advice says that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption, despite previous claims that small amounts were okay. And yes, that includes a glass of red wine with dinner I'm afraid.
There are some health impacts of alcohol which are more widely known, such as the effects on your liver and your brain, as well as affecting mood and mental health.
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However, a medical expert has shared that drinking can actually impact a part of our biology which impacts our entire bodies.
This is our hormones - the chemicals which our body uses to regulate all manner of things.
Drinking alcohol effects the way hormones work in our body, sometimes making them more unpredictable.
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Blen Tesfu is a Physician and Medical Advisor at Welzo, and explained how this can affect different hormones in different people.
"In men, this can lower testosterone levels; for women, drinking can disrupt the oestrogen/progesterone hormonal balance, which can lead to irregular menstruation, decreased libido, and low energy levels," she told Hello.
However, the good news is that if you stop or cut down drinking, then the body can bounce back.
"When drinking is reduced or stopped, the endocrine system becomes more predictable, thus allowing for more consistent levels of stress, reproductive and metabolic hormone levels. Drinking less alcohol will allow many individuals to experience an improvement in mood, sleep and energy levels," said Tesfu.
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But what kind of impact might you see if you cut down on your drinking?
Tesfu explained that this may take a bit of time, but people will see changes.
The physician said: "Individuals may begin to notice gradual changes in their hormonal systems, such as more consistent menstrual cycles, increased libido, and increased morning alertness.
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"The above-mentioned changes will generally be noticed once the individual's body has begun to reset and readjust to its own natural rhythm."
She added: "Abstinence from alcohol can lead to positive effects on long-term metabolic health through improved glucose metabolism, enhanced digestive processes and decreased inflammation. All of these systemic effects contribute to a healthier hormonal environment."
Kit Roberts