Women who drink more than one alcoholic beverage per day increase their risk for breast cancer. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and other alcohol-related birth defects may occur with even light consumption of alcohol during pregnancy. Lower levels of the enzyme dehydrogenase that breaks down alcohol. Higher percentage of body fat and less body water. Alcohol absorption rates are affected by changes in estrogen levels related to menstrual cycle and oral contraceptives.
Health problems related to drinking develop more quickly for women than men.
Women progress to alcoholism more quickly than men.