Blood Sugars and Menstruation

[Jaxx01]

Put simply, can menstruation affect Blood sugars??

I've been diagnosed for 2 months and last month wasn't really paying attention but this month I'm struggling to keep them down below 9 despite eating similar to what I have all month??

Is this just another obstacle that needs sorting??

 

[Hobs]

I can remember a friend going through the menopause would get a marked rise after a prolonged hot flush, so thinking along those lines, and taking a stab at it, I guess it would to some degree. . . but being a mere male, what do I know :wink: .. :angel:

 

[Jaxx01]

Thanks for your reply!! I was hoping so in a way as at least there would be a reason for it!! I'm struggling hard enough with getting my levels down without an added extra problem haha this diabetes lark isn't easy huh!!!

 

[Administrator]

Hi there - there isn't much online about this, so we'll dig out some research and see what we can find!

 

[googlegoss]

I also noticed this but was also sent an email by another member of the forum to warn me of this.

I found my numbers rise just before and stay risen until the monthly has finished. You will probably also notice this in the middle of the month when ovulating.

 

[suzy78]

I find the week before I am due on I can't get my sugars down and the week after I cant get them back up......ahhhhh!

 

[Jaxx01]

Thanks guys!! Sorry it's a bit of an odd one. No I couldn't find much online either so thought the lovely people on here could help!!

So pretty much with ovulation and menstruation, it's going to be hard work!! I'm guessing as mentioned by Hobbs that menopause will also be an issue.

That said, if I'm aware of WHEN in my cycle I have this higher readings, then I can do a bit of I guess 'damage limitation' if you like and maybe do a bit more exercise/even lower carbs to counteract it a bit.

Thanks for your help

 

[elainechi]

hi....god my daughter bs fly and really difficult to control as she wants carbs carbs at this time....and at the end we have a hypo that she can.t get uo....all well andgood except she only has 3 weekly cycle!!!!!!

 

[Jaxx01]

Awww that's not nice for her

See I normally have a 5 and a half week cycle but the last couple of months it's been 4 weeks boo wondering if this may be something to do with the metformin?? Anyway, I'm the same just crave carbs! Naughty Mother Nature haha

 

[Administrator]

Call us quick... but figures the team had put together a piece on this yesterday which we've uploaded today: http://www.diabetes.co.uk/periods-and-diabetes.html

 

[Jaxx01]

Brilliant thanks!!! just as we thought then! Great

Im going to look at tracking my cycles for a few months and altering my already restricted diet some more!!! Haha

Needs must though I suppose!

Thanks for a great (and quick) response!!

 

[hornplayer]

Ok, so this could explain a lot. BG is really high today and was unusually low yesterday. - and I was really starting to get a handle on it!


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[suzanne.moss]

I think it does. I even asked my doc about it and he said he didnt think so. But a week before I am high and a week during low. It is silly but makes you really put out.I even had to change the way i took metformin as when i was taking 2 in the morning on a week during i couldnt keep my levels up at all spent the whole time not great. So now spread it out. Having said that i am now going through menopause so i am all over the show and go months without anything and then i go high and i know what is happening. So whatever the Docs say i think depends on the person and can happen., Good luck.

 

[Hoobird]

i have been type 1 for 37 years, in the last 5 years my diabetes has affected me immensley during my cycle, 2 weeks into my cycle when i'm ovulating my blood sugars go through the roof then after 3 days they settle but about 3/4 days before my actual period my blood sugars plumit i end up having hypos nearly every day, so yes in my experience menstruation does affect blod sugars, i have just started the menapause which is driving me nuts lol anyway good luck

 

[Riesenburg]

Hi,

Put simply, can menstruation affect Blood sugars??

I've been diagnosed for 2 months and last month wasn't really paying attention but this month I'm struggling to keep them down below 9 despite eating similar to what I have all month??

My sister has just been diagnosed recently and has the same problem. It's down to estrogens, they will in some cases raise your blood sugars. During times of menstruation the estrogens raise higher than at any other and this can cause the problems with the higher readings. I'm no expert at this (mainly because I'm a chap so never actually been through it myself) but I do understand that often it is delt with by prescribing a mild contraceptive pill. I would have a chat to your GP and specialist and explain to them that the highs are occuring at the given times of the month. They should be well aware of this.

Hope it helps!
Frankie

 

[Rosco11]

This whole topic has been a burden in my life for the past year. My diabetic dr advised to get blood test done during menstration to see if I was premenopausal. I advised that my blood sugars r so low it's impossible to get through day. Lantus has been reduced at this time of the month and novo rapid near enough none existent. The dr's don't like this, however I need to be able to carry on normal daily activities. My cycle is very irregular trying to get a blood test booked is a nightmare, normally have to wait 2 weeks for appointment. When finally got test done all ok .each month is different, however keeping a diary & doing blood sugars continuously helps. Have to admit praying for early menopause in order to stop this battle every month!! Ps some months completely ok, others I can lose. 3 or 4 days as unable to do anything as hypos just occur without warning & after effects worse than normal hypo.


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[lexilox]

Im t1, I go high in the few days before then totally drop in the first couple of days, I also have a couple of t1 friends who are just the same, it's hard to control perfectly but you can allow for it with practice. It still happened but wasn't as bad when I was on the pill but been advised against taking it any more.

 

[Geri]

Hi there, Yes, my b/s use to raise sky high whenever I was menstruating. It became a big problem as I use to pump up the insulin and my numbers still didnt come down. Ive had diabetes most of my life, Im now going through the menopause but had years and years of struggling with menses and sugars. Just keep checking your sugars if you give yourself extra insulin and dont panic - they will get back to normal again.
All the best,
Geri x

 

[Thundercat]

I have recently started taking a multivitamin with evening primrose and starflower oil which are supposed to balance hormones associated with pms. Getting desperate so prepared to try anything!

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[Shinglis]

Hi folks. Had type 1 for 47 years and sorry to say almost every situation in life involving hormones and fluctuations eg stress, menstruation etc affects blood sugar levels. Like most of you no one can give you answers as we all react differently and are individual. You need to know your own body. Personally I went high then dropped drastically when in full flow , now struggling with menopause