the role of insulin during menopause

Beth Rush

In your 40s, your body will start to transform. It will surprise you how these changes appear all at once. You’ll get irregular monthly periods, headaches, and mood swings as you enter perimenopause — but that’s not everything. You also develop a higher risk for numerous health conditions, such as diabetes. Insulin can have a surprising impact on your mood when you reach your 40s. 

The Role of Insulin 

The pancreas is a large gland that produces a hormone called insulin. This chemical is crucial in health, particularly in regulating glucose levels and giving the cells the energy they need for proper functioning. 

When you eat food, the glucose travels through the bloodstream. The pancreas creates insulin to help the cells absorb glucose, their fuel. Think of the role of insulin as the gatekeeper that collects the glucose carried by the blood and opens the door to the cells so they can absorb it. The cells then use the glucose for energy conversion. 

What happens when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin? It results in Type 1 diabetes as the cells can no longer efficiently absorb and handle the surge of glucose. 

The Link Between Insulin Resistance and Menopause

Insulin resistance occurs when the cells stop responding to insulin. They develop impaired insulin sensitivity, so even if the pancreas sends them a signal to open up and absorb the glucose, they don’t react. Since nothing happens, the sugar level remains in the blood, causing spikes. 

Researchers have yet to fully understand how the body develops insulin resistance. Some cite that several genes can cause the problem. Other potential risk factors are: 

  • The excess fat around the belly area 
  • The lack of movement or a sedentary lifestyle
  • An unhealthy diet, mainly highly processed foods, raises sugar levels and puts pressure on the pancreas
  • Certain medications, such as steroids and psychiatric medications
  • Age, particularly 45 and older

Increased Risk of Insulin Tolerance During Menopause

Insulin resistance and menopause are correlated because of a common factor — age. However, other combined reasons also elevate the risk.

  • Inactivity: Women in perimenopausal and menopausal stages often have decreased physical activity. 
  • Overweight: A sedentary lifestyle often leads to weight gain, increasing the risk of insulin resistance in mature women. 
  • Fluctuating hormones: Estrogen boosts insulin sensitivity in cells to support normal sugar regulation. If its level drops, it’s bound to affect glucose metabolism. 
  • Changes in metabolism: Disrupted estrogen triggers a chain adverse reaction in other hormonal secretion processes. For instance, the decrease in estradiol — a form of estrogen responsible for maintaining the menstrual cycle — can increase the possibility of insulin resistance. 
  • Sleep disturbances: The rise and fall of estrogen during perimenopausal and menopausal, including hot flushes and night sweats, lead to sleeping problems. The lack of sleep is a risk factor for increasing blood sugar levels. 

Insulin resistance is a hallmark of pre-diabetes and diabetes. If you have greater risk factors related to genetics and obesity, ensure you get tested for sugar levels. 

How Insulin Impacts Mood During Menopause

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic health condition that often develops in people over 45 — around the same age women start menopause. 

Mood swings are a commonly experienced symptom during perimenopause and menopause. You get agitated, irritated, and feel tired most of the time. Surprisingly, abnormalities in sugar levels share these symptoms. 

Unstable Sugar Levels and Mood Disorders Based on Studies

One study determined that the plunge and surge in sugar levels were linked with negative moods and poor quality of life. Among diabetes patients, the spike in glucose was associated with anger or sadness, while the dip was connected with nervousness. 

Depression, a prevalent mood disorder, also tends to affect women with sugar problems in their midlife. Another study between diabetes, pre-diabetes and non-diabetes participants ages 40 to 64 found that those with type 2 diabetes were at a significant risk of mood disorders. People with diabetes were 12.5% more likely to get diagnosed with depression compared to only 5.6% of non-diabetic participants. 

“disrupted hormones can raise your risk of insulin resistance”

It’s important to note that menopause alone doesn’t cause diabetes. However, the disrupted hormones can raise your risk of insulin resistance and incite a wave of health problems.

A different study again confirmed depressive disorders as common occurrences in the perimenopausal period. Major indications are irritability, poor concentration, tearfulness and mood swings. Roughly one in five people between 55 and 59 years old and nearly 30% of women older than 65 experience depression. It’s more widespread in those with type 2 diabetes, often leading to lower quality of life. 

Tips to Manage Levels of Insulin During Menopause 

A healthy lifestyle is critical to better health management during midlife. By taking control of your routine and habits, you can go through menopause with fewer and milder symptoms. Here are some tips. 

1. Eat a Plant-Based Diet

Eating a delicious, plant-based diet can assist in regulating sugar levels. If you can, access fresh produce from local farmers as farm-to-table meals are more satisfying and healthy than in restaurants. They’re also more sustainable and better for the environment. 

2. Get Moving

Exercise can help manage sugar irregularities. It enables you to maintain a healthy weight, control your blood pressure, and lower bad cholesterol. Engage in moderate-impact activities for at least 150 minutes weekly. You can also find an active hobby, like playing sports or swimming, to integrate movement into your daily life. 

3. Monitor Blood Sugar Regularly

If you’re in menopause and have a high risk for diabetes, learn to measure your glucose levels at home using a blood sugar meter. Women in their midlife must be constantly aware of what factors impact the dip and spike in sugar levels. 

4. Work With Your Healthcare Provider 

If you’ve developed resistance to insulin, talk to your doctor about proper management. They may recommend losing weight if you have a high body-mass index or refer you to a nutritionist to adjust your diet. By collaborating with them, you become accountable for managing your own health.

Take Extra Care of Your Health During Perimenopause 

Perimenopause and menopause are stages in women’s lives laden with health challenges, including the increased risk of insulin resistance. Women in their midlife need to update their lifestyle as they move through old age to support their body’s functions. Switch to a plant-based diet, exercise, learn to monitor your sugar and work with your doctor. You can make your 40s onward the best period of your life by taking extra care and being responsible for your health. 

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Featured image courtesy of Adam Winger on Unsplash. No changes were made to this image. Image license can be found here. 

Beth is the Managing Editor and content manager at Body+Mind. She is a well-respected writer in the personal wellness space and shares knowledge on various topics related to mental health, nutrition, and holistic health. You can find Beth on Twitter @bodymindmag. Subscribe to Body+Mind for more posts by Beth Rush!

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