Have you ever noticed that men tend to drink more alcohol than women? Have you ever wondered why women appear to be more affected by the same amount of alcohol? Could it be as simple as differences in physical size? Check out the information below and the Blood Alcohol Concentration Charts.
Generally, the same amount of alcohol consumed over the same period of time will result in a higher BAC for individuals assigned to females at birth than for individuals assigned to males at birth. This effect is related to differences in average body water content and the ability to break down alcohol in the stomach.
| Assigned female at birth | Assigned male at birth | |
|---|---|---|
| Ability to dilute alcohol | Assigned female at birth Average body water content: 52% | Assigned male at birth Average body water content: 61% |
| Ability to metabolize alcohol | Assigned female at birth Have less Alcohol Dehydrogenase in their stomach linings; thus, they break down less alcohol before reaching the bloodstream. | Assigned male at birth Have more Alcohol Dehydrogenase in their stomach linings; thus, they break down more alcohol before reaching the bloodstream. |
| Fluctuations in estrogen levels | Assigned female at birth Monthly premenstrual hormone changes may relate to increased BAC’s | Assigned male at birth |
| Medications | Assigned female at birth Birth control pills and other medications that increase estrogen may relate to higher BAC’s | Assigned male at birth |