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Estrogen-Insulin Axis

Meaning

The Estrogen-Insulin Axis describes the complex, bidirectional regulatory relationship between the sex steroid hormone estrogen and the pancreatic peptide hormone insulin, impacting systemic glucose and energy metabolism. Estrogen, particularly estradiol, exerts significant effects on insulin sensitivity, pancreatic beta-cell function, and fat distribution, while insulin signaling can in turn modulate ovarian steroidogenesis. This critical endocrine crosstalk is fundamental to understanding metabolic health, especially in women across the reproductive lifespan and during the menopausal transition. Disruption of this axis is strongly implicated in the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.