Type 2 diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood glucose levels. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 10% of the U.S. population has diabetes, and about 90-95% of them have type 2 diabetes.

While type 2 diabetes is strongly associated with obesity and sedentary lifestyle, it also manifests in some women with menstrual disorders, such as irregular periods, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and menopause. In this article, we will explore the connections between type 2 diabetes and menstrual disorders and how they affect women’s health.

What is Menstruation?

Menstruation, also known as a period, is a natural and recurring part of the menstrual cycle in female mammals, including humans. It occurs when the lining of the uterus sheds, along with blood, mucus, and other materials, through the cervix and vagina.

Menstruation is initiated by the hormonal signals of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and ovaries, which regulate the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body.

What is Menstrual Disorder?

Menstrual disorders refer to any abnormality in the menstrual cycle that affects the frequency, duration, or intensity of periods. Some common types of menstrual disorders are:.

Irregular periods: When a woman’s cycle is longer than 35 days or shorter than 21 days, or when she skips periods altogether, it is considered irregular. This can be caused by hormonal imbalances, stress, weight changes, or medical conditions.
Heavy periods: When a woman bleeds more than 80 mL (about six tablespoons) of blood per period, it is considered heavy. This can be caused by fibroids, polyps, adenomyosis, or hormonal imbalances.
Painful periods: When a woman experiences cramping, bloating, headache, nausea, or other symptoms that interfere with her daily activities, it is considered painful. This can be caused by endometriosis, adenomyosis, fibroids, or pelvic inflammatory disease.
PMS: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to a range of physical and emotional symptoms that occur one to two weeks before a period, such as mood swings, acne, breast tenderness, food cravings, or fatigue. PMS is mainly caused by hormonal fluctuations and affects about 85% of women.
PCOS: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects about 10% of women of reproductive age. PCOS is characterized by high levels of androgens (male hormones), insulin resistance, and cysts on the ovaries. PCOS can cause irregular periods, heavy bleeding, hair growth, acne, weight gain, and infertility.

What is Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which the body cannot use insulin effectively, resulting in high blood glucose levels. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps glucose (sugar) from food enter the cells for energy.

When the cells become resistant to insulin, the glucose builds up in the bloodstream, leading to various complications, such as:.

Cardiovascular disease: High blood glucose levels can damage the blood vessels, heart, and kidneys, leading to heart attacks, strokes, and renal failure.
Neuropathy: High blood glucose levels can damage the nerves, causing numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness in the hands and feet.
Retinopathy: High blood glucose levels can damage the blood vessels in the eyes, causing vision problems, blindness or eye surgery may be required.
Infections: High blood glucose levels can impair the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections, especially in the feet, resulting in amputation of the foot or leg.
Other complications: High blood glucose levels can also affect the skin, gums, digestion, and sexual function, among other organs and systems.

What are the Connections between Menstrual Disorders and Type 2 Diabetes?

Several studies have found that women with menstrual disorders, especially PCOS and irregular periods, are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders.

For example, one study published in the Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology found that women with PCOS had a 6.4-fold higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to women without PCOS. Another study published in the Journal of Women’s Health found that women with irregular periods were 60% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than women with regular periods.

Why is this the case? There are several possible reasons:.

Hormonal imbalances: Women with menstrual disorders often have imbalances in their sex hormones, such as high levels of androgens and low levels of estrogen and progesterone. These hormonal imbalances can affect the insulin sensitivity of the cells and increase the risk of insulin resistance and diabetes.
Obesity: Women with menstrual disorders, especially PCOS, are more likely to be overweight or obese, which also increases the risk of insulin resistance and diabetes. Fat cells produce adipokines, which can interfere with insulin signaling in the cells and lead to inflammation and metabolic dysfunction.
Inflammation: Women with menstrual disorders, such as endometriosis and PCOS, often have chronic inflammation in their bodies, which can impair glucose metabolism and increase the risk of insulin resistance and diabetes.
Genetics: Women with menstrual disorders may inherit certain genes that predispose them to both menstrual disorders and diabetes. For example, some genes that regulate insulin signaling and glucose metabolism are associated with PCOS and diabetes.

How Can Women with Menstrual Disorders Lower their Risk of Type 2 Diabetes?

Women with menstrual disorders, especially PCOS and irregular periods, can take several steps to lower their risk of type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders. These include:.

Lifestyle modifications: Women can adopt healthy eating habits, such as reducing their intake of sugary and processed foods, increasing their fiber and protein intake, and eating more fruits and vegetables. They can also engage in regular physical activity, such as walking, jogging, swimming, or cycling, for at least 150 minutes per week. Exercise can improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, and lower blood glucose levels.
Weight management: Women can aim to achieve a healthy weight by controlling their calorie intake and increasing their energy expenditure. A healthy weight is defined as a body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 24.9. Even a modest weight loss of 5-10% can improve insulin resistance and other metabolic parameters in women with PCOS and other menstrual disorders.
Medical treatments: Women with menstrual disorders and high risk of diabetes may benefit from medical treatments that improve insulin resistance and regulate hormone levels. For example, metformin is a medication that lowers blood glucose levels and improves insulin sensitivity. It is often prescribed for women with PCOS who are overweight or obese. Hormonal contraceptives, such as birth control pills or intrauterine devices, can also regulate menstrual cycles and reduce the risk of diabetes.
Regular check-ups: Women with menstrual disorders and high risk of diabetes should have regular check-ups with their healthcare provider, including blood glucose tests, lipid tests, and blood pressure measurements.

Conclusion

Menstrual disorders, especially PCOS and irregular periods, are strongly associated with type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders in women.

Women with menstrual disorders should be aware of their risk of diabetes and take proactive steps to lower it, such as adopting a healthy lifestyle, maintaining a healthy weight, and seeking medical treatments. Women should also have regular check-ups with their healthcare provider and monitor their blood glucose levels to prevent or manage diabetes.