Birth control and alcohol

Current research, in contrast to some older studies, suggests that birth control pills and even changes in natural hormones over the menstrual cycle have very little to no effect on alcohol metabolism.

Different people having different responses to drinking alcohol could be due to genetic variations in two enzymes: alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). A fast ADH enzyme or a slow ALDH enzyme can cause toxic acetaldehyde to build up in the body, creating dangerous and unpleasant effects. You don’t need to get your liver enzymes tested unless you drink heavily.