You've probably heard that a little alcohol during your period reduces colic pain, but what's the truth? 

Drinking alcohol a few days before your period is not such a good idea. Alcohol consumption can accentuate the symptoms of pre-menstrual syndrome. This sentence is true for at least one in five European women.

Researchers analyzed 19 previous studies, totaling 47,000 participants from eight countries, and concluded that alcohol is associated with a moderate risk of worsening pre-menstrual symptoms.

Women who drank alcohol were 45% more likely to experience breast pain, mood swings, fatigue and hot flashes before their periods compared to women who did not consume alcohol at all. The percentage reached 79% when it came to women who drank alcohol heavily.

11% of pre-menstrual syndromes in the world and 21% in Europe are caused by alcohol.

As for the reason behind this cause-and-effect relationship, researchers speculate that alcohol may increase levels of sex hormones and gonadotropins, which in turn affect serotonin levels.

Other variables such as lifestyle, diet, smoking and stress levels were also taken into account in the study. However, further studies are needed to definitively prove the link between PMS and alcohol.

Source: Health Line