Hormones & Hops

Have you ever wondered what - if any - health benefits there are to being a beer drinker? Well, you’re in for some brilliant news (if you’re in your late forties to early fifties)...

According to research gathered by researchers at the University of Barcelona’s food science department, hops may be beneficial in helping with the management of menopause symptoms. Hops, one of the four essential ingredients in beer, have 8-prenylnaringenin (8-PN) which is commonly used in herbal treatments for menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disturbances and fatigue which affect 50-80% of menopausal women.

These symptoms known as vasomotor symptoms are believed to be caused by a slight increase in body temperature - which is controlled by the certain parts of the brain that help our bodies cool down or keep us warm- react to sex hormones like estrogen. 8-PN was found to interact with estrogen receptors, which may alleviate estrogen deficiency – i.e. menopause. These herbal remedies are often quite popular amongst menopausal patients as some of the risks attached to hormone replacement therapy are unfavourable – carrying similar risks to the birth control pills like strokes, cancer and heart disease.

This isn’t exactly a new discovery however as moderate beer and wine consumption has been linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases as well as a reduce the formation of plaque building up on the artery wall, in addition to reducing the chances of developing osteoporosis and osteopenia as the consumption of beer and wine may help prevent the loss of minerals in the bones. However, it’s important to note that all these benefits will not occur through excessive drinking. Dr Luke Powles, associate clinical director at Bupa Global and the UK, said: “The current advice is that we shouldn’t drink more than 14 units per week on a regular basis. The number of units a drink contains depends on how large it is and how strong it is. The stronger a drink is, the higher its ‘alcohol by volume’ (ABV) percentage will be.”

Certain risks are attached to drinking more than the recommended amount of alcohol per week too, Dr Powles explains: “If you’re regularly drinking more than the recommended limit of 14 units per week, you’re putting yourself at an increased risk of problems with your heart, liver, and digestive system. It also increases your risk of cancer and can cause problems with your mental health.”

According to Bevertown’s wesbite, the hoppiest beers are IPA’s (India Pale Ales), but partiucularly hazy IPA’s. Their brewing style originates back to a time where the hops were a necessary ingredient to preserving the beer during their lengthy trips to India - which is where the name IPA comes from. Whilst they aren’t used for that purpose anymore, the style of beer is still just as popular due to the bitter, aromatic qualities it posesses - and since this groundbreaking discovery about 8-PN, it’s now good for your hormones too. But what about our sober beer ladies, you may ask? Well, fortunately, alcohol-free beer has the same effects when it comes to reducing symptoms of menopause. The alcohol is not the key to curing your hot flushes, night sweats and difficulties sleeping - its hops!