My Diabetes Project – Menstruation and menopause
Diabetes information and services in Europe:
http://mydiabetes.eurohealth.ie
The changes in our hormones that occur the week before and during menstruation can also affect our blood sugar levels. The few years before menopause also mean more hormone changes that can cause unpredictable shifts in blood sugar levels. These are important things for women to keep in mind when managing their diabetes.
- Look for patterns—by keeping track of your blood sugar readings from month to month, you might be able to predict any fluctuations related to menstruation.
- Adjust your diabetes treatment plan as needed—talk to your doctor to see if you need to change your meal plan, activity level, or diabetes medicines to make up for the changes in your blood sugar level.
- Check blood sugar more frequently—monitoring your blood sugar level more often could be helpful in determining whether your symptoms are due to low blood sugar or menopause, as they can sometimes be the same. If you believe you may be nearing menopause, talk to your doctor to see what he or she recommends.