One for the er, more mature ladies...

[Twitchy]

Hello Ladies... (Lads, if you're reading this, stop being so nosy lol! 😛)

I had that regular 3yrly screening the other week (the undignified one, 'nuff said!!) and when the nurse asked I had to tell her that my periods have become irregular. (the results of that test were fine btw) She then asked about the classic menopausal symptoms & whilst for the hot flushes at night I couldn't quite be sure they weren't all sugar level related, she seemed to think it worth getting some blood tests done even thought I'm only in my early thirties. She told me I had to see the doc, which I did today (what an embarressing appointment that was, good job he's such a star! 😱 ) ...he asked whether if the results showed that it was early menopause, I would want treatment...I'm just wondering what would be best form the diabetes point of view? I don't know much about HRT, or what the implications are but I do have a vague notion that if you don't have it you're at risk of osteoporosis later on, and I know for sure that fluctuating hormone levels plays havoc with sugar levels. Just wondering if anyone has any experience or thoughts or advice? My mum died when I was a kid, so unfortunately I can't ask her & I don't think any other female in the family would 'get' the diabetic side of things...

Thanks for any input! 🙂

 

[AJLang]

Hi Twitchy I can't offer any advice but I've had them absent for two years - so I'd assumed that I'd gone through the menopause. However the GP did the relevant test and it appears that I haven't gone through it. That left me very confused with no answers as to why things weren't happening.

 

[imtrying]

Hey Twitchy,

I'm afraid I can't help on this one (my knowledge would be zero!), but I'm sure lots of others will be along soon with some advice and answers.

I hope you manage to get it all sorted out, and I'm glad your GP seemed to have a great appointment with you, and you seem fairly calm so he must have done quite a good job!

Good luck.

 

[Dizzydi]

Hello Ladies... (Lads, if you're reading this, stop being so nosy lol! 😛)

I had that regular 3yrly screening the other week (the undignified one, 'nuff said!!) and when the nurse asked I had to tell her that my periods have become irregular. (the results of that test were fine btw) She then asked about the classic menopausal symptoms & whilst for the hot flushes at night I couldn't quite be sure they weren't all sugar level related, she seemed to think it worth getting some blood tests done even thought I'm only in my early thirties. She told me I had to see the doc, which I did today (what an embarressing appointment that was, good job he's such a star! 😱 ) ...he asked whether if the results showed that it was early menopause, I would want treatment...I'm just wondering what would be best form the diabetes point of view? I don't know much about HRT, or what the implications are but I do have a vague notion that if you don't have it you're at risk of osteoporosis later on, and I know for sure that fluctuating hormone levels plays havoc with sugar levels. Just wondering if anyone has any experience or thoughts or advice? My mum died when I was a kid, so unfortunately I can't ask her & I don't think any other female in the family would 'get' the diabetic side of things...

Thanks for any input! 🙂

Hi Twitchy, I'm fast approaching late 30's, as far as I know and my bits do not work at all I have never been asked anything about menopause. Is the nurse assuming your irregular periods are a sign of menopause?

Hope your blood test come back clear and I'm sure someone with experience of menopause and diabetes will come along soon xxx

 

[Catwoman76]

Hello Ladies... (Lads, if you're reading this, stop being so nosy lol! 😛)

I had that regular 3yrly screening the other week (the undignified one, 'nuff said!!) and when the nurse asked I had to tell her that my periods have become irregular. (the results of that test were fine btw) She then asked about the classic menopausal symptoms & whilst for the hot flushes at night I couldn't quite be sure they weren't all sugar level related, she seemed to think it worth getting some blood tests done even thought I'm only in my early thirties. She told me I had to see the doc, which I did today (what an embarressing appointment that was, good job he's such a star! 😱 ) ...he asked whether if the results showed that it was early menopause, I would want treatment...I'm just wondering what would be best form the diabetes point of view? I don't know much about HRT, or what the implications are but I do have a vague notion that if you don't have it you're at risk of osteoporosis later on, and I know for sure that fluctuating hormone levels plays havoc with sugar levels. Just wondering if anyone has any experience or thoughts or advice? My mum died when I was a kid, so unfortunately I can't ask her & I don't think any other female in the family would 'get' the diabetic side of things...

Thanks for any input! 🙂

Yep, understand the information ouch! You are young to be going through the menopause, but it's not unheard of. I haven't noticed too much in sugar levels regarding the menopause, and I didn't take anything for it, still don't. If it didn't cause me any pain etc then I just let it run it's course, as it is still doing so, 3 years on. Because I haven't had any type of medication for the menopause, I'm sorry, I can't really help with HRT. Is there a Well woman clinc at the doctors that could help or put you in touch with a support group in your area? Take care Sheena

 

[cherrypie]

There is an article here suggesting that Diabetes and Menopause are a twin challenge.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/diabetes/DA00038

I used HRT patches for a very short while as they caused my body to swell. There are other methods and this article explains about a cream that can be effective, Some women swear by alternative products too which the medical profession usually say they are not convinced about as there has not been enough research done.

Do your research and ask your HCP to explain the treatments to you.

 

[margie]

Hi Twitchy do you have a DSN who you could discuss this with. They may know the latest research and whether it would hinder or help you.

Ask the GP for a list or risks and benefits and see if that helps you to formulate a decision.

 

[trophywench]

Well I had the lot extracted when I was 45, so of course no ovaries = menopause, so she bunged me an HRT implant in before she stitched me up. I think we must have discussed it beforehand but can't actually remember. Anyway I definitely wanted it. never had any probs with BGs whilst taking hormones which I did till I was over 55 when the miserable git AKA my GP said it had to stop.

Wasn't too bad, but hard to tell which was which, as you say Twitchy. High BG or hot flush? depended how cold it was outside but then it's normally cooler at night, so a quick stand outside the back door every so often usually did the trick. I never had the horrific night sweats or anything terrible that some ladies have, so i was very lucky all in all.

Need replenishing every 6 months or so, or you may notice the effects dwindling a bit sooner. Quick jab of Local, quick bodge with sharp instrument, load up a medical instrument that looks a bit like a crochet hook with the 'capsules' in through the hole about an inch, eject capsules, remove tool, dry the skin, stick on one of those small, round plasters. keep that on overnight, take off tomorrow morning, healed.

Or you can have patches or tablets; the only thing about patches is, they can't be exposed to sunlight because they completely lose their efficacy and you have to keep moving where you stick em anyway so it's not much good if you are a naturist. For 6 months of the year anyway - hopefully !

You have to know that all sorts of changes in your body happen after the menopause and some of them you won't have heard of. Typically all your skin and your hair dry up. You probably know that one if you think about it - older folk DO have dry skin etc, don't they? And osteoporosis and it helps with that too as you say. BUT. Google Vaginal Atrophy. You most certainly under any circumstances definitely do NOT want that. And be aware treatments for it are not that successful for all that long. Spit.

 

[Twitchy]

Hmm, thanks all - food for thought! The dry hands certainly chimes - i'd assumed it was all the dishes caused by the kids!! 😱 Guess i really ought to wait & see what the test results say, but if the old hormones can be kept in order for a bit longer without side effects then maybe that would help with the hands, hair, swings & flushes, etc etc!!! Guess i'm really going to be on the surgery's black list of expensive patients though!! 😱

 

[Twitchy]

DizzyDi - as far as I can make out, it's erratic / irregular periods, mood swings, hot flushes, reduced libido, etc... However irregular periods can also be associated with Poly cystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) which is associated with difficulty conceiving...(poly cystic ovaries on their own are not an issue apparently? - it has to be those + irregular periods + some other symptoms )

Not sure if that's clarified anything, sorry! X

 

[AlisonM]

I'm well into the menopause and now my cycle, which used to before regular as clockwork, is all over the place. I asked about HRT and was told it can cause problems for women with Diabetes and that I couldn't have it. I'm not sure what the alternatives are but I'm doing OK at the moment so I decided to concentrate on my other problems for now. If you're worried I'd have a chat with your GP about what options are out there.

 

[MCH]

I was having hot flushes every night for a number of months before I spoke to my GP about them. (My periods had been erratic for a while, and I had not had one at all for around a year.) The Doctor took a blood sample and discovered I had been through the menopause. I am now taking HRT and personally think it is wonderful. 😉 It has, in my case, pretty much stopped the hot flushes, and my blood sugars seem more stable as well. I am not as young as you (46 and a bit), but so far, it has worked for me. I have recently fractured my humerus and (having been sent for a scan) discovered that although my bones are a little 'thin' I do not have osteoporosis at the moment. My mother, however, did have osteoporosis, and this did influence my decision to take HRT.
I think once your GP gets the results of the test for you, that you will be able to make an informed decision - it could be you sugars rather than anything else. (Unfortunately the only way to tell is to do blood tests for a few nights at the most unearthly times. )

 

[donnarob]

Hi There,

Since the demise of my periods over 5 months ago, I have noticed that my blood glucose levels have been really erratic. I am experiencing the highest every morning readings but by mid afternoon, early evening have come back down the mid 6's!

I am experiencing hot flashes, night sweats, anxiety, itchy skin and have a weird sensation on my feet which is scaring me.

Does anyone know if you have previously had excellent control up until period stopped, will this be the start of complications?

My husband reckons I am becoming paranoid and stressing about things is exacerbating the problem. However, it would make sense that if your hormones are going ga ga so will your blood sugar levels?

I am approaching 53 so definitely around the age of menopause. The doctor reduced metformin to one which I am currently taking but doubt if it's having much impact.

Has anyone found a site which highlights the problem of balancing hormones and blood glucose. I am on a strict low carb diet so cannot really understand where these high numbers are coming from.

I have a feeling if the doc increases my dose of Metformin, it will kick start my period to start again. Which would be the worse of two evils?

I can honestly say, this is driving me nuts.

Donna 🙂

 

[HelenM]

I'm definitely of normal menopausal age. I thought I my periods had finished when I was diagnosed with diabetes as I hadn't had any periods for several months They started again as soon as I started using insulin. That I think was to do with the high blood glucose levels and because of the weight loss.

Later the my real menopause started. My diabetes doctor didn't want me to use HRT unless absolutely necessary.
However when I went to see a gynaecologist (GPs here don't deal with smears etc so 'every woman' has a gynae) she prescribed estriol creme for dryness . This had the 'side effect that it stopped the hot flushes🙂 This article* says that it has the same risks as HRT and has a long list of people who should use it with caution(including diabetics) but both doctors seemed to think it was fine to use... and I don't use it every day, only when symptoms return.
*http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/womens-health/medicines/ovestin-cream.html

 

[trophywench]

I use Vagifem for 'topical' reasons LOL - but that's after you've finished completely.