Alcohol helps women in menopause

Two studies in the United States showed how middle-aged and older women could benefit from a slimming diet and “moderate” amounts of alcohol.

Losing weight as a result of cutting down on fat and eating large amounts of fruit and vegetables was found to reduce or even eliminate hot flushes and night sweats.

Separate research showed that a glass or two of wine or beer a day may lower the risk of developing brittle and easily broken bones.

The bone-thinning disease osteoporosis is associated with hormonal changes after the menopause.

Both studies were published in the journal Menopause.

The first involved 17,473 participants in the Women’s Health Initiative, an investigation looking at ways to improve the health of post-menopausal women.

Researchers conducting the second study found evidence of the protective effect of moderate drinking in 40 post-menopausal women with no history of osteoporosis.

All the women regularly had one or two alcoholic drinks a day.