YES and yes! It’s common for women to have hormone fluctuations the week before their period, and those can affect glucose control. After ovulating, estrogen and progesterone rise. “Estrogen can make women more sensitive to insulin and cause hypoglycemia. Progesterone can do the CONVERSE,” says Natalie Strand, M.D., of the University of Southern California. Strand was the first person with diabetes to win The Amazing Race TV show. Glucose LEVELS often RETURN to their USUAL patterns after the first few days of the menstrual cycle. “Check your glucose levels and analyze your monthly fluctuations to know your patterns,” she says. Then devise a management plan for these days. Menopause also can affect blood sugar. “During perimenopause, estrogen and progesterone can fluctuate and lead to glucose swings,” Strand says. An early sign of perimenopause for women who take insulin is hypoglycemia due to dropping progesterone.

Yes and yes! It’s common for women to have hormone fluctuations the week before their period, and those can affect glucose control. After ovulating, estrogen and progesterone rise. “Estrogen can make women more sensitive to insulin and cause hypoglycemia. Progesterone can do the converse,” says Natalie Strand, M.D., of the University of Southern California. Strand was the first person with diabetes to win The Amazing Race TV show. Glucose levels often return to their usual patterns after the first few days of the menstrual cycle. “Check your glucose levels and analyze your monthly fluctuations to know your patterns,” she says. Then devise a management plan for these days. Menopause also can affect blood sugar. “During perimenopause, estrogen and progesterone can fluctuate and lead to glucose swings,” Strand says. An early sign of perimenopause for women who take insulin is hypoglycemia due to dropping progesterone.