Menopausal women are spending more on ALCOHOL than groceries to help them beat hot flushes

According to a study, menopausal women spend more on alcohol per week than they do on grocery shopping to cope with symptoms.

Data shows the average woman spends around £31 a week on groceries for herself, compared to £50 on alcohol.

Figures show that one in three drinks more alcohol since the onset of menopausal symptoms, while one in eight regularly drinks more than the recommended amount of 14 units per week.

Meanwhile, 15 percent said they spend more than £100 a year on pain relief, eye drops and herbal remedies.

And 5 percent said they started gambling more during perimenopause and menopause to cope with symptoms.

Data shows the average woman spends around £31 a week on groceries for herself, compared to £50 on alcohol. Figures indicate that one in three are drinking more alcohol since the onset of menopausal symptoms, while one in eight regularly drinks more than the recommended amount of 14 units per week.

Campaigners say the findings, from a survey of 1,200 women, show that menopause could be a hidden factor in the spiral of household finances across the country.

They warned that Britain risks ‘producing a generation of addicts’ due to a lack of awareness and access to menopause treatments.

Menopause specialist Dr Louise Newson, who carried out the research, said: ‘I am deeply concerned to see women suffering needlessly, but unfortunately I am not surprised by the findings of our research.

‘I speak to a lot of my women who struggle with problems surrounding alcohol and other addictions.

‘The changes of perimenopause and menopause can cause women a lot of discomfort and stress.

‘As a result, they may turn to painkillers or alcohol to alleviate these symptoms or, as our research shows, be more prone to substance abuse.’

Several women described alcohol as an “escape” from anxiety, stress or depression during midlife and menopause.

Dr. Judith Mohring, consultant psychiatrist, added: ‘Many women are depressed, anxious and have varying symptoms that are often misdiagnosed as something other than menopause.

‘Coupled with the demands of middle age, many women I see end up turning to alcohol as a way to cope.

‘Many find that they may be less tolerant of drinking than they used to be, and that it worsens their symptoms – but it can also be a way of coping with what otherwise feels out of control.’