Women are generally smaller than men and their bodies contain more fat and less water. This means that the alcohol in each drink a woman takes will end up being more concentrated in her body than the same amount in a man’s body, and she will feel the effect of alcohol more quickly (1, 2).
Women’s bodies also break down alcohol at a slower rate than men’s bodies. It takes longer for the alcohol to clear. These differences play a role in the effect drinking may have on the health of men and women (3, 4). Transgender people and those who are transitioning should consult their doctors about how alcohol may affect them.