The Fastest Ways to Cure a Hangover (That Actually Work for Women)

Hangovers are never fun. But for women, because of differences in body composition and alcohol metabolism, they can hit even harder. Here’s how women can minimize these symptoms and get back to feeling better as soon as possible.

In Medical Terms, What Is a Hangover?

Before we focus on how to reduce hangover symptoms, let’s start with an overview of the science of hangovers.

Hangovers can cause both psychological and physical symptoms, often simultaneously:

• Physical hangover symptoms: Nausea, fatigue, headache, thirst, muscle aches, GI upset, sweating, high blood pressure
• Psychological hangover symptoms: Depression, irritability, anxiety

The reasons that alcohol causes hangovers include effects like dehydration, disrupted sleep, irritation of the GI tract, toxin exposure (especially acetaldehyde, which is a known carcinogen), and alcohol withdrawal.

Why Are Hangovers Worse for Women?

There are a few reasons why hangovers tend to be more severe for women than for men:

• Lower levels of ADH: Women have about half as much of the enzyme that breaks down alcohol, alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), as men; this means that alcohol stays in their bodies around 50% longer.
• Less water in the body: Women’s bodies average 45–50% water compared to 55–65% in men, meaning alcohol is less diluted in women’s systems.
• Higher body fat percentage: Women generally have about 10% more body fat than men, and fat retains alcohol instead of diluting it, leading to higher blood alcohol levels.
• Higher blood alcohol content (BAC): Even after drinking the same amount, women reach higher BACs than men.
• Lower body weight (on average): This amplifies the effects of alcohol, raising BAC and worsening hangover symptoms.

None of these are true in all cases—some women’s bodies may be better at metabolizing alcohol than some men’s bodies—but on average, women tend to experience more severe hangovers after drinking alcohol.

How Can Women Reduce Their Hangover Symptoms?

No matter your gender, there’s no such thing as a cure for a hangover. But there are some science-based steps that women can take to mitigate their hangover symptoms:

Take preventive measures before/during drinking

Next time you drink alcohol, here’s how you can minimize the unpleasant aftereffects:

• Take Capsulyte’s PREGAME before drinking: It contains NAC, which may reduce negative feelings after drinking; Siliphos®, a milk thistle-derived compound that may lower risk of cirrhosis; Clovinol®, which can reduce negative feelings after drinking by 55 percent; and DHM, an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound.
• Avoid high-congener beverages: Congeners are toxins that can make hangovers worse. The highest concentrations of these substances are found in darker drinks (e.g., red wine, whiskey, bourbon, brandy, cognac).
• Eat before drinking: Having food in your stomach when you start drinking slows alcohol absorption, keeping your peak BAC at a lower level.
• Pace yourself and drink less: Try to limit yourself to one drink per hour so your liver can keep up with alcohol processing. Drinking less in general will help prevent hangovers. As a rule, you can lower your risk of a hangover by keeping your BAC below 0.06.

Taking these extra precautions might not prevent a hangover entirely; they’ll probably reduce its severity and length!

Stay hydrated before, during, and after drinking

There are lots of ways to make sure you stay hydrated while you drink. For instance, you might want to drink a full glass of water for every alcoholic drink you consume.

According to Jemma Thomas, founder of Jemma’s Health Hub, “Having a glass or water between alcoholic drinks is the perfect way of moderating yourself and making sure you don’t go overboard. Alcohol dehydrates you, it’s a diuretic, which means it makes you go to the loo more often. So, if you want to avoid that dreaded hangover, water is giving you a helping hand and keeping you hydrated.”

Another great way to stay hydrated is with an extra boost from Capsulyte’s HYDRATION, which contains:

• Hydra 4G™: A blend of sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium to support hydration.
• Zinc: An essential mineral that supports immune health and overall wellness.
• Liposomal Pureway C™: A potent antioxidant that may also promote immune function.
• B vitamins: Nutrients that support energy metabolism and neurological function.

For more evidence-based advice on minimizing alcohol’s negative aftereffects, check out the Capsulyte blog—it’s updated with new posts on a regular basis.