Alcohol increases a woman's risk of developing serious illnesses and an increased risk of heart disease, liver disease, ulcers, reproductive problems, osteoporosis, pancreatitis, memory loss, and other illnesses caused by substance and alcohol abuse.

The effects of alcohol on the liver are more severe for women than for men. Women develop alcoholic liver disease, particularly alcoholic cirrhosis and hepatitis, after a shorter period of time than men. Proportionately more alcoholic women die from cirrhosis than do alcoholic men.

Other Health Problems

A study by the Journal of the American Medical Association, showed that a woman's risk of breast cancer rises with the amount of alcohol regularly consumed. Drinking moderately or not at all can reduce the chance of getting breast cancer.

The study showed that women who drink two to five alcoholic drinks each day, were 41 percent more likely to develop breast cancer than nondrinkers. Excessive alcohol consumption also increases the risk of several digestive-tract cancers.

These health risk are even greater for older women. Women are more likely than men to start drinking heavily later in life, and many times their alcohol abuse goes undiagnosed.

Reproductive Problems

The alcohol in the blood is carried into the baby's bloodstream. Because the baby is still developing, consuming alcohol can lead to a miscarriage. It can also lead to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or Fetal Alcohol Effects birth defects, which are irriversible.

In fact, the dangers of drinking while pregnant are so great, the March of Dimes recommends that women stop drinking before trying to become pregnant.

Here is more information about the greater health risks for women when they drink alcohol.

Health Risks for Women

Alcohol and Pregnancy
From your About.com guide, Some experts say moderate drinking during pregnancy is okay, but there are others who believe taking even one drink is like playing Russian Roulette with your baby's health.

Alcohol Related Birth Defects
Children born with FAS or FAE have to face a lifetime of pain, frustration and disappointment; the impact on all levels society cannot be ignored.

Breast Cancer and Alcohol
Alcohol consumption is associated with an increase in breast cancer in women greater than those who do not drink.

Gender Issues in Elderly Drinking
Women are more likely than men to start drinking heavily later in life whereas male drinking behavior is typically defined earlier in life.

How does alcohol affect women?
Proportionately more alcoholic women die from cirrhosis than do alcoholic men.