Why I Use Nutrisense, A Continuous Glucose Monitor To Monitor My Perimenopause
As an active perimenopausal woman looking to manage my weight, I understand firsthand the challenges of this significant phase of life.
Perimenopause, the precursor to menopause, can bring about a whirlwind of hormonal changes, making it a confusing journey for many of us.
Like countless others in this transitional phase, I searched for effective strategies to maintain a healthy weight and well-being.
During this time, I stumbled upon a game-changer – the Nutrisense Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM).
In this post, I will share my experience and insights into why I choose Nutrisense to monitor my menopause transition.
Understanding Menopause
Before diving into the benefits of using the Nutrisense CGM during menopause, let's briefly discuss the four stages of menopause.
The menopause "transition" typically begins in the biological women around the age of 42 - 55.
This is the time that signifies the end of your reproductive years.
In fact, for some, pre and perimenopause can begin as early as your late 30's.
Younger women that have gone through a hysterectomy or chemotherapy, can experience a "surgical menopause", which can occur way before her mid 30s.
During this phase, hormonal changes can lead to a variety of symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, weight gain, and increased risk of certain health conditions.
Premenopause
Insulin sensitivity is generally well-maintained, and women often don't experience significant blood sugar-related issues.
However, this is when many women start to notice subtle changes in metabolism, making it a crucial time to prioritize healthy lifestyle choices to prevent future complications.
If you are looking to make changes, see the Menopause Metabolism Reset 30 Day Program!
Early Stage Perimenopause
Early stage perimenopause, usually starting in the mid-40s, marks the onset of hormonal fluctuations.
Estrogen levels begin to decline, affecting insulin sensitivity.
As insulin resistance creeps in, blood sugar levels may become less predictable.
You might start noticing during this phase some initial symptoms like sporadic weight gain and increased abdominal fat.
I personally began to notice some extra thickness in my middle begin at 43 years old.
It was at this time that I knew I needed to start thinking in new ways about my food and exercise choices.
Late Stage Perimenopause
In late-stage perimenopause, which can span several years (45 - 51 yrs), estrogen levels continue to decline, and insulin resistance becomes more pronounced.
Women may experience more intense blood sugar fluctuations, which can lead to mood swings and energy crashes.
Weight gain, particularly around the abdomen, becomes increasingly common.
Adopting a glucose-monitoring tool like the Nutrisense Continuous Glucose Monitor during this stage can provide valuable insights into managing these fluctuations and associated symptoms.
Menopause
Menopause officially begins when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, usually occurring in the late 40s or early 50s.
According to the North American Menopause Society, a biological woman, enters menopause around the age of 51 years old.
During menopause, hormonal levels stabilize at lower levels, but insulin resistance may persist.
This phase is often characterized by a heightened risk of developing type 2 diabetes due to ongoing insulin sensitivity challenges.
Weight management can be particularly challenging, with abdominal fat accumulation being a notable concern.
Regular exercise, dietary adjustments, and monitoring blood sugar levels become essential strategies for maintaining health during this phase.
Monitoring The Transition: The Importance of Data
Tracking data during the menopause transition is crucial for several reasons.
Firstly, menopause involves complex hormonal changes that can impact various aspects of health, and monitoring provides insights into these fluctuations.
Secondly, it helps you better understand your unique responses to diet, exercise, and lifestyle choices, aiding in symptom management and weight control.
Finally, data tracking empowers you to make informed decisions, ensuring a smoother and healthier transition through this transformative phase of life.
Why Monitor?
We all have our own unique experiences throughout our reproductive journeys.
Therefore, monitoring symptoms, sleep, cycle, food, weight, mood and glucose all contribute to allowing us to make DATA DRIVEN DECISIONS!
When it comes to the menopause transition, data can help you and your healthcare provider to make informed choices on whether or not to use HRT (hormone replacement therapy) rather than relying solely on intuition or assumptions.
Tracking Blood Glucose Levels
Blood glucose fluctuations during the menopause transition are primarily influenced by hormonal changes.
There are many hormones that have an effect on blood glucose:
- Estrogen - Enhances insulin sensitivity. When estrogen levels are sufficient, the body's cells are more responsive to insulin, which allows for efficient regulation of blood sugar levels. However, during menopause, as estrogen levels decline, insulin sensitivity can decrease. This reduced sensitivity means the body may require more insulin to control blood sugar effectively. Which potentially leads to higher blood sugar levels and an increased risk of insulin resistance.
- Progesterone - If progesterone levels drop significantly, it can contribute to reduced insulin sensitivity as well. This also leads to blood sugar imbalances and an increased risk of insulin resistance.
- Cortisol - In stressful situations, cortisol helps to ensure that glucose is readily available for the body's cells to use as a quick energy source. However, chronic stress or consistently high cortisol levels can lead to insulin resistance. This means that cells become less responsive to insulin's signals, making it more challenging for glucose to enter the cells. As a result, blood sugar levels can remain elevated, potentially leading to long-term health issues like type 2 diabetes.
- Thyroid - Thyroid hormones, particularly triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), are essential for regulating the body's metabolism. They influence how the body uses energy and the rate at which various processes occur. When thyroid function is optimal, these hormones help maintain stable blood sugar levels by supporting the body's ability to efficiently convert food into energy.
Nutrisense: A revolutionary CONTINUOUS GLUCOSE MONITOR
Nutrisense offers a groundbreaking solution for monitoring blood glucose levels continuously.
Unlike traditional glucose monitoring methods that require periodic finger pricks, Nutrisense provides real-time data through a small sensor inserted into the skin.
I place mine on the back of my upper arm as suggested...by the way, the insertion is delivered through a device that is quick and totally painless!
The sensor tracks glucose levels 24/7, offering a comprehensive view of how dietary choices, exercise, and other factors affect blood sugar.
How to Use the Nutrisense CGM
A Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) is a small wearable device that monitors blood glucose levels continuously throughout the day and night.
Here's how it works:
- Sensor Insertion: The CGM system consists of a tiny sensor that is inserted just beneath the skin, usually on the abdomen or the back of the upper arm. This sensor measures glucose levels in the interstitial fluid (the fluid between cells), which closely reflects blood glucose levels.
- Glucose Measurement: The sensor measures glucose levels and sends this data to a small transmitter or patch that is attached to the skin's surface. The transmitter wirelessly sends the data to a receiver or a smartphone app.
- Data Display: The receiver or smartphone app displays real-time glucose readings, typically in the form of a graph. You can see your glucose levels continuously throughout the day and night.
- Nutritional Tracking: The best part of the Nutrisense CGM is the ability to track your food intake. By inputting your nutrition, you will be able to scan and witness in real time, the effect it has on your blood sugar!
Want to know what a bagel does to your blood sugar?
How about a glass of wine?
What about a bad night of sleep?
YOU WILL BE SURPRISED, JUST AS I WAS!
My Personal Experiences using the Nutrisense Continuous Glucose Monitor
Greater Awareness
Using Nutrisense during my menopause journey has provided me with a deeper understanding of how my body responds to various foods and activities.
It has helped me identify specific triggers for symptoms like bloating, sleeplessness, and mood swings, which are often linked to blood sugar fluctuations.
Here is an example of a night that I experienced "nocturnal hypoglycemia", or night time low blood sugar levels. I was under high amounts of emotional stress and also on the 5th day of my menstrual cycle. One symptom of this transitional time is that I bleed heavier now. My sleep was filled with night terrors and chronic cycles of waking, a common symptom of low blood sugar at night. From this, I learned that I needed to eat some protein and fat as a bedtime snack to prevent these midnight drops.
Informed Dietary Choices
Nutrisense has empowered me to make more specific informed dietary choices.
By observing how different meals and individual foods impact my blood sugar, I can tailor my diet to stabilize glucose levels and minimize mood swings and energy crashes.
I've used online tracking systems in the past such as Macrostax and MyFitnessPal however they pale in comparison.
Having the opportunity to see "real life" blood glucose data on the foods that I eat far surpasses any guessing game or app that calculates just macros or calories.
Here is an example of a dinner comprised of shrimp, rice, black beans and red sangria. The red dot around 6:45pm shows when I logged in my meal and the blue dot around 7:15pm shows that my blood sugar rose from 79 - 122 after that meal. From this, I learned that the sugar in the sangria spiked my glucose more than 30 points. Comparing it to earlier in the day, when I ate chicken meatballs and green beans for lunch at 1:30pm, there was barely a blip in my glucose!
Improved overall Health
As a woman who was diagnosed with PCOS during my reproductive years, it makes every bit of sense to understand and get a handle on understanding my blood sugar in real time.
Therefore, regular monitoring with the Nutrisense Continuous Glucose Monitor has allowed me to take proactive steps to maintain my health during menopause.
It's not only about managing symptoms but also about reducing the risk of long-term health issues associated with insulin resistance and high blood sugar.
Combining the tools like using this Nutrisense CGM system while following my 4 pillar MENO program, using Menotations ™️ stress reduction techniques, exercising properly (strength training, HIIT, SIT) and eating healthy (high protein and lots of veggies) is making my menopause transition not just manageable but enjoyable.
Being in control over my health and well being is where I want to be at this stage in life!
Aging gracefully and quality of life is my goal.
Conclusion
Navigating menopause can be challenging, but having access to data through the Nutrisense Continuous Glucose Monitor has made a significant difference in my journey.
It has allowed me to make informed decisions about my diet, lifestyle, and overall health.
If you're going through menopause and want to take control of your well-being, consider giving Nutrisense a try.
It's a valuable tool that can empower you to live a healthier and more balanced life during this transformative phase.
FAQ's
Faq
What are the four stages of menopause, and when does this transition typically begin for women?
How does estrogen impact insulin sensitivity in premenopause?
What hormonal changes occur during early-stage perimenopause, and how do they affect blood sugar levels?
What is the significance of monitoring blood glucose levels during late-stage perimenopause?
How does the Nutrisense Continuous Glucose Monitor work, and how does it differ from traditional monitoring methods? DOES IT HURT?
How has using the Nutrisense Continuous Glucose Monitor impacted my personal experience during the menopause transition?
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