Progesterone-to-estradiol balance and problematic alcohol consumption
What is it about?
Researchers from the Central Institute of Mental Health, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin and the Technical University of Dresden have published study results in the American Journal of Psychiatry that provide a better understanding of the relationship between hormones and alcohol consumption. A gender-separated, multi-center longitudinal study conducted on women with alcohol use disorder who have a natural menstrual cycle and men with alcohol use disorder shows significant correlations between menstrual cycle, the ratio of progesterone to estradiol and problematic drinking behavior.
Why is it important?
The results suggest that a higher progesterone-to-estradiol ratio may protect women and men with alcohol use disorder from problematic alcohol consumption. This makes the hormone ratio a promising target for future treatment of alcohol use disorder and could pave the way for personalized, menstrual cycle-dependent therapies, especially for women with alcohol use disorder.