The Connection Between Estrogen and Insulin Resistance

What is the relationship between estrogen levels and insulin?

Insulin is the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar levels by bringing glucose into our cells for energy. It can also influence estrogen levels. When someone with conditions such as diabetes or insulin resistance has high levels of insulin in their blood, it can impact the production and metabolism of estrogen, resulting in higher estrogen levels.

What is insulin resistance?

Insulin resistance means the body’s cells don’t respond efficiently to insulin. When cells are resistant to insulin, they don’t effectively use the glucose (sugar) in our bloodstream, which results in higher blood sugar levels. Over time, the body tries to compensate by producing more insulin, leading to higher insulin levels in the blood.

Several factors can lead to insulin resistance, including:

• Genetics

• Obesity

• Lack of physical activity

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

• Diets high in processed food and sugar

How do increased estrogen levels impact the body?

Whether high estrogen levels are problematic depends on a person’s overall health and the specific reason behind the elevated levels.

Health concerns that can be associated with higher estrogen levels:

Estrogen Dominance: High estrogen levels relative to other hormones (like progesterone) can lead to hormonal imbalances.

Increased Cancer Risk: Prolonged exposure to high estrogen levels might increase the risk of certain hormone-sensitive cancers, like breast or endometrial cancer.

Potential Cardiovascular Impact: Increased estrogen levels for a long period of time can increase the risk of cardiovascular issues.

Metabolic Effects: High estrogen levels impact insulin sensitivity, potentially contributing to insulin resistance and affecting blood sugar regulation.

Maintaining stable blood sugar levels can help prevent estrogen dominance, which can lead to many issues, including:

• Irregular menstrual periods

• Mood swings or irritability

• Breast tenderness

• Weight gain

• Fatigue

• Insomnia

• PMS symptoms

• Changes in libido

• Endometriosis

• Fibroids

How to Lower Estrogen Levels with Diet and Lifestyle Changes

Rebalancing hormones can be achieved through lifestyle changes. In some cases, hormone replacement therapy may be necessary. Check with your healthcare provider about hormone testing and individualized treatment plans.

One key element in improving elevated insulin and estrogen levels is maintaining stable blood sugar levels through a balanced diet, regular exercise, and managing stress. If you have diabetes or pre-diabetes, it is important to seek guidance from your medical provider in addition to making lifestyle changes.

In addition to managing blood sugars, making sure you are clearing estrogen from your system through regular bowel movements is important. Having at least 1 bowel movement daily will help remove estrogen from the body. If you are struggling to have regular bowel movements, increasing dietary fiber, drinking more water, and regular exercise can support bowel regularity.

Dietary changes can also help. Eating a balanced diet rich in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and Brussels sprouts can aid in estrogen metabolism and clearance. Including protein, fat, and fiber at each meal will help support blood sugar levels.

Finally, managing stress levels helps balance hormones. Practices like meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, and regular physical activity can help manage stress levels and improve estrogen levels.

If you would like support in improving your blood sugars or balancing your hormones, I’m here to help. You can book a free discovery to learn more about my non-restrictive approach to improving blood sugar and hormone health here.

This blog is intended to educate and inform and does not replace medical advice or nutrition therapy.