Educational information from Her Form — reviewed for accuracy by our health specialists.
Not a substitute for personal medical advice. Optional 1:1 consults with Robyn, our consulting women's-health specialist, are available on request.
Common symptoms
- •Stubborn belly weight
- •Sugar cravings, energy crashes
- •Skin tags, darker skin folds
- •PCOS, irregular cycles
- •Worse symptoms through perimenopause
What drives it
- •Genetics
- •Diet pattern (frequent carbohydrate spikes, low protein)
- •Sleep deprivation
- •Sedentary lifestyle
- •Chronic stress, perimenopause
Testing approach
Fasting insulin is the earliest marker — it rises long before HbA1c or fasting glucose. We pair it with HbA1c and SHBG for a full metabolic picture.
What to do next
- ✓Protein-first meals, fewer snacks, daily walks after meals
- ✓Strength training 2–3x per week
- ✓Prioritise sleep and stress recovery — both directly drive insulin
- ✓Re-test fasting insulin and HbA1c in 3–4 months
Frequently asked
Is my fasting glucose enough?
No — fasting glucose stays normal for years while insulin climbs. Fasting insulin catches the problem early when it's easiest to reverse.
Do I need to go low-carb?
Not necessarily. Most women improve with protein-forward meals, fewer snacks and post-meal movement — without dramatic carb restriction.
References
- Jean Hailes for Women's Health— Evidence-based women's health information and research
- Endocrine Society — Clinical practice guidelines— Endocrine and hormone disorder management
- NICE — Women's health guidelines— Clinical evidence-based guidance for women's health
References are provided for educational context only. Her Form is not affiliated with these organisations. Always interpret results with a qualified healthcare professional.
Information on this page is educational — wellness framing, not medical diagnosis. Always interpret results with a doctor who knows your history.