International Journal of Homoeopathic Sciences · Mar 2026

Hormonal transition, metabolic risk, and homoeopathy: Managing type 2 diabetes mellitus in menopausal women

By Mathew MM

Menopause represents a natural biological transition characterized by the permanent cessation of menstruation due to declining ovarian follicular function, diagnosed retrospectively after 12 consecutive months of amenorrhea. This phase is associated with significant hormonal, metabolic, physical, and psychosocial changes that may increase the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). The decline in estrogen and progesterone during menopause contributes to insulin resistance, adverse lipid profile changes, central obesity, and reduced metabolic rate, all of which predispose women to metabolic disorders. Epidemiological evidence indicates a rising prevalence of T2DM among women after menopause, increasing from approximately 12.1% in the premenopausal phase to 19.4% post-menopause. Research also suggests a bidirectional relationship between menopause and diabetes, where hormonal changes increase diabetes risk, while diabetes may accelerate ovarian aging and lead to earlier menopause. Several studies across different populations have identified post-menopausal status and early menopause as independent risk factors for T2DM. Additional contributing factors include decreased physical activity, chronic stress, and inflammatory changes associated with visceral adiposity. These mechanisms collectively impair insulin signaling and glucose metabolism, resulting in persistent hyperglycemia. Considering the multifactorial nature of this condition, an individualized and holistic management approach, including lifestyle modification and complementary systems such as homoeopathy, may offer supportive strategies for improving metabolic health in menopausal women.

doi.org/10.33545/26164485.2026.v10.i3.d.2439Open accessMechanisms