Insulin Resistance: The Root Cause of Menopausal Symptoms

What is Insulin Resistance?

Insulin Resistance means that our body is no longer responding to the insulin our pancreas produces. A primary role of insulin is to escort glucose into our cells for energy. When we are insulin resistant, our body is no longer able to take the food we eat (glucose) and use it as fuel for our cells. If insulin is unable to escort glucose into the cells, the body stores the energy we consume (glucose) as fat.

What is the connection between Insulin Resistance and Menopause?

Insulin resistance becomes more prevalent as we head into menopause. Sex hormone drops worsen insulin resistance and the resultant menopause symptoms like hot flashes, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, weight gain, and irritability.

What chronic health issues are associated with Insulin Resistance?

Insulin resistance has also been linked to diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, breast cancer, endometrial cancer, and even Alzheimer’s.

What contributes to Insulin Resistance?

• Too many simple carbs (bread, pasta, chips, sugary drinks)

• Too much stress (fight or flight forcing our body to hold onto cortisol and glucose to fight the “tiger”)

• Too little or too intense exercise.

• Toxins in our food and environment (which confuse our cell’s hormonal receptors)

What diet changes may be needed?

We can reverse insulin resistance with a whole food, good fat, low sugar, high fiber, and phytonutrient-rich diet.

What’s the good news?

While we cannot control our sex hormone drops in perimenopause and menopause, we CAN use diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes to mitigate the effects of insulin resistance so we can avoid chronic disease and feel and look our best.

Join me and some new friends in a Perimenopause Workshop series to learn more. Message me at the Connect with Me section of my website or drop me a line @inspirebyjill@gmail.com