low blood sugar only during period?

[zellion.livejournal.com]

Ok, I've done some google-fu, and found very few references to what I'm experiencing. For the last 6 or 7 months, I've noticed a trend where during one or two days of my period I experience low-blood sugar symptoms late in the evening. It took me a while to figure this out because neither I nor anyone in my family has diabetes or a history of low blood sugar.

After a few months of getting slightly lightheaded and then getting shaky while feeling very hungry (all of a sudden) about an hour before I normally eat dinner... and noticing it just happened one day a month... and it was always the same day of my period... Well, it took me a while, but I finally put two and two together. It's *always* the second and/or third day of my period, and it's always in the evening about an hour, to an hour and a half before I normally eat dinner. (which is at the same time each day because of when I get off work.)

I mean, some menstrual symptoms make sense, like low iron count, which I used to have a problem with. Loss of blood + low iron count = slight anemia. Fine, makes sense. I dont' have that problem anymore, thanks to a diet change and supplements when necessary, but I don't get where low blood sugar comes in, and everything I came up with in Google suggests it should only be a problem during pregnancy, not menstruation.

So I guess my question isn't "Is this possible", but rather, "does anyone else have this problem" and "could it be caused by something else, and just coincides with my period every month?" Since I know very little about blood sugar problems I freely admit I could be missing something.

And, other than keeping snacks on hand (which I normally don't because I've lost weight just by eliminating snacks between meals) what can I do to help control this?

Comments

[belinconnu.livejournal.com]

I'm hypoglycemic and for me it seems that it is always just a touch harder to know what my blood sugar is going to be doing during my period.

[t4-flirt.livejournal.com]

I would discuss this with your ob/gyn. Make sure that you aren't anemic, which can make menstrual problems worse form time to time(has happened to me...I've been dealing with iron-deficiency anemia since I was 14...I'm 23 now.)

Also, sounds like a silly questin, since you've said these symptoms occur DURING your cycle, but is there any possibility you could be pregnant? Some women will have spotting during the early months of their pregnancy, and mistake it for a light period.

Either way, I'd see your doctor, and get tested for anemia, diabetes, etc. Just because there isn't a family history of it doesn't mean you can't have it.

[zellion.livejournal.com]

it's happened every month for the last 6 to 7 months, and I actually tested negative on a pregnancy test last month - I'm on birth control, and have actually switched pills without it affecting this symptom.

I'll mention it to my doctor when I go for my yearly tests soonish.

[t4-flirt.livejournal.com]

i would def. mention it to your doctor. if you are hypoglycemic, diabetic, or even anemic, the sooner you make the diet/lifestyle changes, the better. even if you're trying to lose weight, you can still find ways to eat the kinds of meals that'll help you out and fill you up. just make sure to mention to your doc that you're trying to keep your weight down so he/she can advise you on healthy eating choices.

[zambonigirl.livejournal.com]

You should definitely go to your doctor to be tested. If you are either hypoglycemic or diabetic, then you *should* be eating at least five times a day. Three small meals, and two healthy snacks, like an ounce of cheese and a couple of pieces of citrus fruit, or hummus and cucumber chips. Your doctor will probably have some other suggestions for snacks. If you're concerned about gaining weight (you might actually find that you'll lose weight if you keep your body constantly fueled (http://www.primusweb.com/fitnesspartner/library/weight/0698metabolism.htm)), you can always pump up your work-out routine with some extra cardio or Pilates/Yoga poses. Both should help work out and stretch the sore muscles that we all encounter during menses.

[t4-flirt.livejournal.com]

omgz yoga. I love yoga as a cramp reliever. It makes me feel SO much better and I don't always have to resort to my meds.

[zambonigirl.livejournal.com]

It's so true. Yoga and Pilates really do help cramping. Stretching is very therapeutic for the body, and helps increase blood circulation, which in turn actually does help lessen clotting and cramps. And then on the plus side, you develop longer, leaner muscles, and who doesn't want that?

[jadedone2many.livejournal.com]

If you know approximately what time you're having this low blood sugar feeling, why not eat something at lunch that will last you till dinner, maybe a bigger lunch with a LOT more fiber - fiber will keep your body fueled for a lot longer time (which aids in losing weight, as I'm sure you already know).

I don't have any other suggestions... I'm a diabetic (type 1) myself, and struggling to lose weight, but I don't have a choice, I *have* to have the snacks or I bottom out so easily. Ugh. :/

[mokie]

I've got the same problem.

I've had some luck splitting my meals up through the day. Instead of my usual breakfast/lunch/dinner, I'll have smaller versions of those three with brunch and tea between. Same amount of food, but spaced a bit to keep the blood sugar relatively level through the day.