WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for November, 1999: Re: low blood sugar during periods

Re: low blood sugar during periods

From: Harvey S. Marchbein, M.D. (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Mon, 8 Nov 1999 19:01:39 -0600 (CST)

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At Mon, 8 Nov 1999, Amanda wrote: >
>I have searched the archives & haven't recieved much info from them, so
>here I am!
>My father, brother, & paternal grandmother are all diabetic. I
>participated in a study for 6 years involving the drawing of my blood to
>be tested for the 'gene' that some researchers think plays a part in
>diabetes. I was told 2 years ago that I do not have the gene and that,
>therefore, I will not get diabetes.
>About 1 year ago, I began to have low blood sugar 'attacks' during my
>period each month. They don't happen every month, but almost. I
>experience a cold, clammy sweat, dizziness, and an undeniable craving
>for sugar. The attacks come on very quickly. The first time i had one,
>I felt fortunate that I knew what was happening, as my family have
>communicated to me what it feels like. The only thing that helps is to
>eat sugar or juice until the effects stop.

If possible, protein will work slower but the effects last longer (at least in diabetics with a low lood sugar).

>I have spoken to my
>gynocologist (who says this is normal) and my brother's doctor, who is
>also a hypoglycemia specialist. He gave me a blood glucose meter to
>test my blood sugar level when I am having an attack, or when I feel
>weak or overly tired. He said that he is doubtful that I have diabetes,
>but that low blood sugar can be a precursor to diabetes. He also said
>he is doubtful that I am hypoglycemic,as the attacks only occur once a
>month.

Cycle changes can do strange things.

>Last week, I had 3 days in a row where I had the attacks. For
>the rest of the day after, I feel extremely run down. Last week, during
>one attack, my blood sugar was the lowest that it has ever been: 52. I
>also had an attack on Tuesday of last week that really puzzled me, I ate
>a very big lunch at a restaurant at 2:30pm (including meat, and
>sweetened coffee) and at 4:30pm I had an attack, my blood sugar level
>was 61. I thought this was weird, since I had consumed such a large
>lunch.
>I am about 95% vegetarian.

It may be a combo including your diet. As I mentioned above, carbs with protein will help stave this off. A planned menu during your period may be helpful. Plus, the sweetened coffee may have caused your pancreas to secrete more insulin than necessary and your relatively inadequate sugar intake after the meal led to the low sugar. This happens to diabetics too - those who take insulin to balnce a certain number of calories and then don't take that many calories.

>I do occasionally eat meat. I do eat
>cheese, yogurt, and drink whole milk. I eat plenty of beans, and I take
>an Iron supplement every day (as well as vitamin b, ginko biloba, and
>the prescription drugs for allergies & acne: ceftin, claritin, and
>spironolactone-this one only for 2 weeks so far)

Spironolactone is a mild diuretic so be careful to take enough fluid.

>My question is: Can anyone give me any further information about
>this?????
>I am doubtful that this is 'normal' and I am scared that if an attack
>comes on when I am alone, and I don't have any access to sugar that I
>will become comatose. I have been making it a habit to carry candy, or
>a snack with me when I go out, but, as I am human, sometimes I forget!
>Any help will be much appreciated!!!
>
>--
>Thank you,
>Amanda
>

You may wish to consult a dietician about a planned "menstrual diet" as I mentioned above.

--
Harvey S. Marchbein, M.D. FACOG, FACS
Great Neck, New York

**Note:  Opinions expressed here are for educational purposes only
and, as such, do not constitute a physician-patient relationship.
This information is not intended to supplant the need for you to
consult with your physician prior to choosing therapeutic options
and/or interventions.

**Private emails cannot be entertained due to time constraints,
consequently no private emails will receive a response.

**Thank you for your understanding ;-)

Next message: Harvey S. Marchbein, M.D.: "Re: Tubes"
Previous message: Harvey S. Marchbein, M.D.: "Re: Post-op Bladder Spasms"
In reply to: Amanda: "low blood sugar during periods"
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