Can I check insulin levels during menstruation?

Generally speaking, it is acceptable to test for insulin during menstruation.

Insulin is a hormone secreted by pancreatic beta cells, whose main function is to regulate blood glucose levels and to promote metabolism of fats and proteins. During the menstrual period, although the levels of estrogen and progesterone in a woman's body fluctuate, and these hormones may affect insulin sensitivity and secretion, thereby influencing blood glucose levels, this does not interfere with insulin testing. Testing can help determine whether a patient's blood insulin levels and blood glucose fluctuations are normal, thus allowing treatment plans to be adjusted according to the results. Moreover, for certain urgent conditions or patients requiring regular insulin monitoring, such as diabetic patients, the menstrual cycle should not be a reason to delay testing. In these cases, testing should proceed as directed by a physician, even during menstruation.

However, if an insulin release test is required, it is not recommended to perform it during menstruation because hormonal changes during this period may affect the functional status of pancreatic beta cells and the body's ability to metabolize glucose, potentially leading to inaccurate test results.