Blood Sugar Swings Are Not Just a “You” Problem—They’re a Hormone Thing

If you’ve ever felt totally fine one minute and then shaky, irritable, or ravenous the next—welcome to the blood sugar rollercoaster. It’s not just about what you ate. It’s not just “you.” It’s your hormones.

And the truth is: blood sugar swings are deeply connected to hormonal health, especially as we age.

What’s Actually Happening?

Your body is constantly working to keep blood sugar levels in a safe range. When you eat, especially carbs or sugary foods, your blood sugar rises. Your pancreas responds by releasing insulin to help move that sugar into your cells for energy or storage.

Sounds simple, right? But here’s where hormones come in.

Hormones and Blood Sugar: The Hidden Connection

1. Cortisol (your stress hormone) When you’re stressed, cortisol tells your liver to release more glucose—just in case you need to "fight or flee." But if you're stressed all the time? Your blood sugar stays elevated, and your insulin has to work overtime.

   
   

2. Estrogen and Progesterone (your reproductive hormones) These hormones influence how sensitive your cells are to insulin. During perimenopause and menopause, estrogen levels drop, which can make you more insulin-resistant—meaning your body has to produce more insulin to do the same job.

   
   

3. Insulin itself (yes, it’s a hormone!) When you experience frequent spikes in blood sugar, your body produces more and more insulin. Over time, this can lead to insulin resistance—a condition where your body stops responding to insulin the way it should.

   
   

Why This Matters—Especially Over 40

As your hormones shift, so does your blood sugar response. You might notice:

• Cravings for sugar or carbs

• Energy crashes after meals

• Weight gain around the middle

• Feeling “hangry” if you go too long without food

  
  

It’s not about willpower. It’s about physiology.

What You Can Do

Balancing blood sugar starts with gentle, consistent habits—not crash diets or carb-cutting extremes. Try:

• Eating protein and fiber with every meal to slow down glucose spikes

• Managing stress with breathing, walking, or anything that helps you reset

• Prioritizing sleep, since poor sleep can worsen insulin resistance

• Moving your body regularly to improve insulin sensitivity

  
  

Bottom Line

If blood sugar swings have been messing with your mood, cravings, or energy—know this: you’re not broken. You’re hormonal. And with the right support, you can feel stable, strong, and like yourself again.