And one in eight women drinks more than the recommended weekly alcohol limit.

Alcohol can lead to fertility problems

Because alcohol can affect fertility, experts are concerned that the habit will affect some women's chances of having a baby.

Consumption guidelines state that women should drink no more than about two units a day.

One unit is equivalent to one glass of wine.

But figures to be released in BBC's Watchdog Healthcheck on Monday show that more than three million women drink more.

One in 50 women drink six bottles of wine a week

Half a million women drink six bottles of wine a week, the equivalent of 36 glasses, the programme will reveal.

Women under 35 with high incomes are drinking more than ever before.

Women in their mid 20s to early 30s are now the most at risk of developing a serious alcohol problem.

It is estimated that it takes just two years for women to develop a drink-related illness, compared with 10 years for men.

Dr Sarah Jarvis, of the advisory board of Alcohol Concern, said: "There is a good physical reason why women can't drink as much as men.

"They have more body fat and less body water.

"Since alcohol is only distributed in the body water, that means that any alcohol they drink is more concentrated and therefore can do them more harm."

"They're tending to put off having babies until their early to mid thirties.

"And while they're single and professional, fighting to keep up with male colleagues, they may well be trying to keep up with them in the drinking stakes as well as in the workplace.

"This makes them much more likely to be drinking more than they should.