“Diabetes and irregular periods?”
I did research and it says that a very irregular period is a symptom of diabetes. I have mine about every other month or two months and it’s been like this for years since I got it. Diabetes runs in my family, my dad has it, and his mom and so forth. Should I do something about this?
Female | 20 years old
Complaint duration: Several years
Medications: Lexapro
Conditions: GAD
4 Answers
Irregular menstrual periods are frequently related to the insulin resistance, which also is associated with diabetes mellitus. I usually measure fasting insulin and glucose levels. I also recommend a diet low in simple carbohydrates (rice and wheat). The goal is to decrease how much insulin is needed to keep the glucose level controlled. If the insulin level is high, then I often prescribe Metformin. This lowers the insulin level, and insulin stimulates the ovary to make testosterone and testosterone interferes with the menstrual cycle.
Although is is true that some women with Diabetes have irregular menstrual cycles, diabetes is more likely to present with frequent urination, blurry vision, extreme thirst, UTIs or yeast infections. You are still young, so your menstrual cycle may still need to mature. Young women may have anovulatory cycles which cause irregularities. I would agree that you need to make sure you are routinely checked for diabetes because your risk of getting diabetes is about 60% greater than the general population because both of your parents have it.
Dear patient,
Please see your gynecologist to consider all problems causing irregular menses.
Respectfully,
Marvin A. Leder, MD FACP FACE
Please see your gynecologist to consider all problems causing irregular menses.
Respectfully,
Marvin A. Leder, MD FACP FACE
Dr. Jessica Scotchie
OB-GYN (Obstetrician-Gynecologist) | Reproductive Endocrinology
Chattanooga, TN
Irregular cycles can be caused by many different things, diabetes can cause it but it is not usually the cause. Even if it is not diabetes, it is important to have an evaluation with your provider to find out the cause and to discuss treatment which is important for your long term health.
