Why Women Get Worse Hangovers Than Men, According to Science

If you've ever found yourself curled up in bed after a night out, wondering why your hangover feels ten times worse than your male friends’, it’s not your imagination. There's actual science behind it—and, frankly, it feels a little unfair.

The topic made waves recently after being discussed on ITV’s Lorraine, where resident doctor Dr. Amir shed light on why women tend to suffer more from hangovers than men.

"This is really interesting," he said when asked about it. "Women have less of [alcohol dehydrogenase] than men do, so they take longer to break down alcohol. As alcohol is floating around their bodies more, they're more likely to feel the effects of alcohol and then get a hangover the following day as well."

Alcohol dehydrogenase is the enzyme responsible for helping the body process alcohol. Since women have less of it, their systems take longer to clear alcohol from their bloodstreams. That means the effects of alcohol—like feeling tipsy, dehydrated, or just plain awful the next morning—hit harder and last longer.

It doesn’t end there. Dr. Amir also pointed out that women typically have less circulating blood than men, which means alcohol becomes more concentrated in their bodies. Essentially, the same amount of alcohol can impact a woman more severely than it would a man.

But there’s more to the story. Hormones, particularly estrogen, also play a role.

If you've ever found yourself curled up in bed after a night out, wondering why your hangover feels ten times worse than your male friends’, it’s not your imagination

Pexels "Estrogen plays a part as it makes that alcohol dehydrogenase enzyme more efficient at breaking down alcohol," Dr. Amir explained. That means the time of the month can influence how your body handles a glass of wine or a cocktail.He added, "So actually, when you look at the menstrual cycle, for the first two weeks of the menstrual cycle, your estrogen levels are on the rise, so you're more effective at breaking down alcohol and less likely to get drunk or experience a hangover.""But the same is true when estrogen levels drop; you're more likely to get drunk, more likely to get a hangover, and it's true after menopause as well."

In short, hormonal fluctuations can either give your body a helping hand or make that hangover hit much harder. After menopause, when estrogen levels drop permanently, women may find themselves more sensitive to alcohol than they used to be.

Understanding the Psychology Behind Hangovers

Psychologically, the experience of a hangover can be influenced by several factors, including expectations and individual differences in mental and physical responses to alcohol. According to Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, a happiness researcher, "Our emotional state and mindset can significantly influence how we process and recover from alcohol consumption." He emphasizes that factors such as mood and sleep quality play a crucial role in how one experiences a hangover. Additionally, Gretchen Rubin, a happiness researcher and author, notes that "the beliefs we hold about our resilience to hangovers can lead to riskier drinking behaviors, ultimately impacting the hangover experience." These insights highlight the complex interplay of psychological factors in hangover severity.

It’s not about tolerance; it's about biology

"You might not be able to enjoy the drinks that you used to when you were younger because your estrogen levels are lower, you don't break down alcohol as efficiently, and you're more likely to get a hangover too," Dr. Amir concluded.

So if you’ve ever felt betrayed by your body the morning after a few drinks, now you know why. It’s not about tolerance; it's about biology. Does that mean the party days are over? Not necessarily—but maybe they come with a bit more water and a lot more planning.

Interestingly, gender differences in hangover experiences might also be linked to psychological elements. Women tend to be more attuned to their bodies and are often more introspective about their health, which could lead them to perceive hangovers as more severe. As noted by Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky, a happiness researcher, "Women often have a heightened awareness of their emotional states, which can amplify their experiences of discomfort." Furthermore, Dr. Brené Brown, a researcher on vulnerability and emotions, states, "The way we interpret our physical sensations can significantly influence our emotional responses, leading to a more intense experience of hangovers in women."

What Research Shows About Gender Differences

Research suggests that biological differences between men and women affect how our bodies process alcohol. A paper by Erol and Karpyak (2015) indicates that women have lower body water content and less dehydrogenase, an enzyme that breaks down alcohol in the body, leading to higher blood alcohol concentrations than men from the same amount of alcohol. This could explain the discrepancy in hangover severity between genders.

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

In conclusion, both psychological and biological factors appear to contribute to the differences in hangover experiences between men and women. It's important to remember, however, that individual differences can greatly influence one's hangover severity, and the best way to prevent hangovers is to drink responsibly. As Dr. Helen Fisher, a biological anthropologist, states, "Understanding the biological differences between men and women can help us navigate our health choices, including alcohol consumption." Additionally, Dr. Dan Siegel, a psychiatrist, emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, noting, "Being mindful of how alcohol affects your body can lead to healthier decisions." Maintaining a healthy relationship with alcohol is crucial for overall well-being.