We’ve known for a long time that increasing exercise is a lifestyle change that can lower your hot flashes. Now we have a better understanding of why and how your fasting insulin level.
A study in the January 2026 issue of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found a link between elevated fasting insulin levels in perimenopause and earlier onset of hot flashes.
Here is a quick summary of the findings:
- Start Younger: Elevated fasting insulin levels found in women around age 47 were predictive of hot flashes and night sweats beginning at a younger age, which is often perimenopause.
- Last Longer: Higher insulin levels also predicted that vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes, night sweats, and cold sweats) would continue throughout the menopausal transition.
- Independent Predictor: These findings remained significant even after controlling for Body Mass Index (BMI) and glucose levels, suggesting that insulin independently affects symptom severity.
- Other Hormones: Women with high insulin levels also had a steeper rise in testosterone during menopause, which is associated with a higher risk for heart and metabolic risks.
What’s This Mean To You?
- Check Your Insulin: If you are having early hot flashes or worried that you might, an elevated fasting insulin level may be a valuable marker for women who are more likely to have early-onset hot flashes and stronger/more frequent hot flashes.
- Lifestyle Management: Elevated insulin levels can be lowered quickly with regular aerobic and resistance training, and dietary changes can improve insulin sensitivity and improve symptoms.
- Diabetes Risk: Research shows that frequent hot flashes are also associated with an 18% higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome later in life.
