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Does T1 diabetes cause menstrual cramps?

A

amberjean

Newbie
Messages
3
Type of diabetes
Type 1
I'm 16 and started my period just over 2 years ago. I didn't get the bad menstrual cramps until about 6 months ago. A week ago I was diagnosed with T1 diabetes. Today I started my period and the cramps are sever. I can't help but wonder if the onset of diabetes caused the cramps.

I take 200mg of celebrex when I get the cramps, it almost cures them within 1-2 hours. If they come back the next day I take 100mg and feel good enough to go to school.
 
Like you, when i first started my periods were pain free but I began to get cramps a good while later. I was diagnosed 5years before they started though so I don't think it was down to that. I've always thought it was normal but to be honest I can't remember why - I mean I don't remember if I was told it was or knew someone else it happened to?!

On a related subject, don't be surprised if you find your insulin requirements change just before and/or during your periods. It will be too early for you to notice the pattern now as you will still be trying to get your general levels settled I imagine, but it's something to bear in mind for the future - and many drs & nurses don't ever seem to mention it!

I'm glad you've found the forum and asked your question, there is loads of info here and lovely people who will always try to help x
 
Pancreas malfunction and menstruation are related in some way, but there is very little research into the subject.
It may cause the development of endometritis, which can cause severe cramping. Don't suffer in silence, ask GP to refer you to a gyneagologist, to check everything is how it should be. Too many women put up with being fobbed of with it being natural, it isn't. I'm involved with a group on Facebook set up originally for pancreatitis but so many people had pancreas malfunction due to other factors, it is called the pancreatic tree, the hope is to become a charity to fund research into pancreatic issues that are caused or cause other issues. One of the 1st things will be to fund research into menstrual problems.
 
@amberjean I too had ok periods then developed pain later. As I hadn't then been diagnosed with Type 1, I don't think it has anything to do with it. I think menstrual cramps are common, especially in younger women who've not yet had children. If they get worse or interfere with your daily life, then I'd see a doctor, of course, but they sound pretty average to me, and it's good you've found medication that works for you.
 
As a comment on the other side of this, my partner, who is not diabetic, suffers from extremely severe menstrual stomach cramps, so it is perfectly possible that it's not down to diabetes. She also says that they've got worse as she's got older.
 
tim2000s said:
As a comment on the other side of this, my partner, who is not diabetic, suffers from extremely severe menstrual stomach cramps, so it is perfectly possible that it's not down to diabetes. She also says that they've got worse as she's got older.
Click to expand...

My partner was having the same. He is feeling much better after following some guide on internet
 
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