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Insulin Resistance & Menopause

When your body produces insulin but does not use it properly this results in insulin resistance. If you have this condition your fat, muscle and liver cells do not respond correctly to insulin. Insulin resistance is a condition that is common among menopausal women.

  1. Pre-Diabetes

    • When excess glucose mounts in the bloodstream, this sets the scene for the onset of diabetes.

    Expert Insight

    • Dr. Joseph J. Collins, author of "Discover Your Menopause Type" explains that there are 12 types of menopause and their specific symptoms. Out of those 12 types, five types of menopause involve insulin resistance.

    Hormonal Imbalances

    • When a woman has excessive testosterone function during menopause but adequate progesterone and estradiol function, she may be at risk for insulin and blood sugar problems.

    Too Much Testosterone, Not Enough Estrogen

    • When a menopausal woman has estrogen deficiency yet normal testosterone levels this can affect her blood glucose metabolism which increases her risk of developing insulin resistance and blood sugar disorders. Too much testosterone combined with an estrogen deficiency increases your risk of becoming insulin resistant.

    When Ovulation is Long Gone

    • The loss of ovarian hormone production when in menopause promotes increased insulin resistance, according to The Endocrinology Journal.

    Dangers

    • The dangers of insulin resistance include an increased risk of endometrial cancer, full blown diabetes and heart disease.

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