Them: “Just eat less and move more!” 🙄 Me: Your estrogen dropped and completely changed how your body stores fat. Let me explain the ACTUAL science. At 49, after 20+ years in functional nutrition, I’m exhausted watching women blame themselves for weight gain that’s purely hormonal. When estrogen falls, insulin resistance skyrockets. Here’s why: 🔬 Insulin Receptors Stop Working: Estrogen influences insulin receptor signaling. When it drops, muscle cells don’t absorb glucose efficiently. Sugar stays in your bloodstream. Your pancreas pumps out MORE insulin to compensate. Insulin is a fat storage hormone. 🩸 Your Liver Releases Constant Glucose: With less estrogen, your liver pumps out EXTRA glucose, almost as if you’re in a constant fasting state. Blood sugar spikes even more. 🫃 Visceral Fat Takes Over: Fat shifts from subcutaneous (soft, under-skin) to visceral storage around organs. Visceral fat releases inflammatory cytokines and free fatty acids that block insulin signalin...