For the first time ever, women are drinking as much as men according to experts. But how does excessive alcohol consumption affect the female body?

Pregnancy

Whatever you eat or drink while pregnant goes directly through your bloodstream into the placenta. Some experts believe that drinking any alcohol while pregnant increases health risks for the baby, while others believe a small amount does not have any damaging effects.

A recent study found that, during early pregnancy, women drinking 10 units of alcohol on a single occasion were more likely to have a child with a congenital abnormality than those who avoided alcohol.

Memory

Tests show heavy drinking affects memory, learning, reaction time, spatial perception, abstract thinking and complex reasoning.

Memory and judgment problems are the result of the toxic effects of alcohol on nerve cells. If you drink heavily over a long period and then stop suddenly, you can be susceptible to fits, seizures and blackouts, which can be fatal or have permanent effects on the brain.

Teeth

Alcoholics have poor dental health, due to poor oral hygiene. Alcohol also increases the risk of gum infections.

Breasts

A recent study showed that women who drank as little as one drink a day had a 9 per cent increased risk of developing breast cancer compared with women who abstained. A further 9 per cent risk was added for each drink, up to five drinks a day.

Other studies have found that heavy alcohol consumption has been associated with a small (averaging 10 per cent) increase in a woman's risk of breast cancer.

Digestive tract

Chronic heavy drinkers have a higher incidence of oesophageal cancer than the general population.

The risk appears to increase as alcohol consumption increases. An estimated 75 per cent of oesophageal cancers in the UK are attributable to excessive alcohol consumption.

Nails

Strong, healthy nails rely on a balanced intake of nutrients and from plenty of water, both of which are depleted with increased alcohol consumption. In some cases, poor nails may also point to iron deficiency or liver problems, which can both be caused by a high intake of alcohol.

Hair

Alcohol is a diuretic, so it causes accelerated dehydration. A lack of body fluid causes dry and brittle hair. Excessive alcohol consumption can deplete levels of iron in the body, leading to hair loss.

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Stomach

Gastritis (chronic stomach upset) can be caused by short-term alcohol abuse: drink inflames the stomach lining and can lead to vomiting, which, if chronic, can lead to tears of the oesophagus.

Digestive haemorrhages are common in alcoholics. They are due to the rupture of oesophageal veins, changes to the gastric mucus or ulceration. Chronic gastritis can result in anaemia and malnutrition.

Having a meal an hour before drinking can significantly slow down the effects of alcohol on the stomach.

Muscles/bones

Heavy drinking can lead to a condition called alcoholic myositis, which is inflammation of the muscles, mainly in the shoulders and chest. It causes a lot of pain and is quite common among heavy drinkers.

Skin

Studies have found that high levels of alcohol consumption can exacerbate the skin condition psoriasis (reddish spots and patches covered with silvery scales). Bruising is also increased, due to a lack of vitamin C. The skin may also become dryer due to higher levels of dehydration caused by drinking.

Brain

Heavy, prolonged alcohol abuse is thought to be the third highest cause of dementia (permanent loss of brain cells) in hospitalised patients. Without treatment, it leads to progressive mental deterioration.

Oesophagus

Oesophagitis (inflammation of the oesophagus) is the main complication of gastro-oesophageal reflux. This is caused by the toxic effect of alcohol on the oesophagus, making it more permeable and allowing the entry of cytotoxic substances. Without treatment and abstinence from alcohol, it can progress to ulcers.

Heavy alcohol abuse is the main factor in oesophageal cancer in the western world. The risk is considerably increased where there is combined alcohol and tobacco addiction.

Nerves

Prolonged alcohol abuse can lead to inflammation of the nerves in the arms and legs, leading to symptoms such as tingling and pain. It is caused mainly by vitamin deficiency, but isn't.

Joints

A common cause of gout, which is a condition that causes inflammation of the joints due to the build-up of crystals of uric acid, is strongly linked to heavy drinking. Gout is generally a genetically inherited condition, but it is exacerbated by alcohol.

Source: Daily Mail