Let’s talk about something most of us were never prepared for:
As we enter perimenopause and menopause, our hormones don’t just impact mood swings or hot flashes — they also disrupt our metabolism and increase insulin resistance.
As we enter perimenopause and menopause, our hormones don’t just impact mood swings or hot flashes — they also disrupt our metabolism and increase insulin resistance.
Here’s what’s happening behind the scenes:
🩸 Estrogen naturally supports insulin sensitivity.
So when estrogen levels drop, our cells don’t respond to insulin as effectively — making it harder to regulate blood sugar, store fat properly, and feel stable and energized.
So when estrogen levels drop, our cells don’t respond to insulin as effectively — making it harder to regulate blood sugar, store fat properly, and feel stable and energized.
At the same time, we often see a rise in cortisol, our main stress hormone.
Whether it’s from work, caregiving, poor sleep, or the emotional changes of this life stage — chronic stress can keep cortisol levels elevated.
And high cortisol? It spikes blood sugar, worsens insulin resistance, and makes weight loss (especially belly fat) feel nearly impossible.
And high cortisol? It spikes blood sugar, worsens insulin resistance, and makes weight loss (especially belly fat) feel nearly impossible.
Together, low estrogen and high cortisol create a perfect storm — one that impacts:
- Weight gain, especially around the midsection
- Cravings and energy crashes
- Brain fog and mood dips
- Disrupted sleep and restless legs
- Elevated blood sugar and cholesterol
- A general sense of “off”
We’re told it’s just “aging.”
But it’s not just that.
It’s hormonal — and it’s manageable.
But it’s not just that.
It’s hormonal — and it’s manageable.
💡 What You Can Do
You can’t stop the hormonal shifts — but you can reset your body’s response.
By supporting insulin sensitivity and managing cortisol, you can reduce symptoms and feel like yourself again.
Here’s what’s worked for me:
✅ Intermittent Fasting — to give the body time to rebalance hormones
✅ Fiber-first meals — to stabilize blood sugar
✅ Natural supplements — to support insulin and reduce inflammation
✅ Stress reduction — walking, journaling, nature, breathwork
✅ Consistent sleep — no screens, steady rhythms, magnesium if needed
✅ Supportive movement — gentle strength training or walking daily
✅ Fiber-first meals — to stabilize blood sugar
✅ Natural supplements — to support insulin and reduce inflammation
✅ Stress reduction — walking, journaling, nature, breathwork
✅ Consistent sleep — no screens, steady rhythms, magnesium if needed
✅ Supportive movement — gentle strength training or walking daily
Because I followed this path, I’ve:
✨ Lost 30 lbs
✨ Lowered my blood sugar and cholesterol
✨ Eliminated hot flashes and restless leg
✨ Gained energy, clarity, and peace with my body again
✨ Lost 30 lbs
✨ Lowered my blood sugar and cholesterol
✨ Eliminated hot flashes and restless leg
✨ Gained energy, clarity, and peace with my body again
If you’re navigating this season and feel like your body is fighting you — you’re not alone, and you’re not doing anything wrong.
You just need different tools for a new chapter.
You just need different tools for a new chapter.
📩 Want to learn what worked for me? Just send me a message — I’ll walk you through it.
Or if you'd like an Intermittent Fasting Guide for Women (with or without a cycle), let me know — I'll send it to you.
Rachel xoxo
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