Women- High BG with PMS?

[CarrieJett]

Do any other women have a couple of days of high BGs right before their periods? I tend to have 2 days or so of constant 200s, which I don't have any other time of month, right when I am getting a PMS-y hormone swing. This seems to be a pretty predictable thing that happens, but I've never really tried to do anything about it. I am curious if anyone changes their insulin regimens or anything.

[rak1978]

Yes! But my highs happen more mid-cycle (probably when ovulating). I go low when I start my menstrual cycle. I've never really changed my settings because I haven't tracked closely enough from month to month to make any changes yet.(having babies and/or nursing for the last 6 yrs, so not too many menstrual cycles going on). I'm on top of it this month though and will make observations over the next couple months and see what happens. Not that men have it easier, but we have that extra element of hormones to try to factor in.

[dodo]

I do have high BGs with my PMS. I tried to inject more insulin but then I have hypos:( My family doctor and my endo are both men and they don't seem to really understand. They only told me to have more insulin. I don't know how to prevent that!

[AngelKitty]

Yes and yes! Same as you - like clock-work everytime.
My BGLs elevate when I am pre-m (2-3 days before).
I usually run a temporary basal (raised) on my pump to counter-act.

[jspirit]

I definitely notice my readings are higher starting 2 weeks pre-period. I do take more insulin for those 2 weeks for my basal. Then once my period comes, I go back to my regular amounts. At least my male endo does say this is normal and knew about it!
Those middle days are tough to balance and I have gone too low at night so keep making adjustments . It is trial and error.
Hope it helps you to know it is normal in our situation. Good luck and keep monitoring!

[suitesis]

I don't get PMS, but I do spike a couple of days before my period. My doctor leaves it to me to determine what the best route is for me to take - generally she suggests leaving the Lantus alone and adjusting the Humulog as needed. At day 5 of my period, though, I crash so then I definitely decrease my Lantus dosage (by 3-4 units!)

I find it interesting how different everyone is. Some report being low before and high after or during (or vice versa) or that ovulation affects them more. Oh the joy of being a women! ;)

[Jalama]

I talked with my doctor about this several years ago. I believe he said that the increase in estrogen (?) right before my period caused insulin resistance and I would need more insulin for a few days.

[CarrieJett]

Thanks for the replies, everyone! It helps to know it isn't just in my head, now I can work on figuring out exactly when it happens and try to do some adjusting. Time to write things down again.... I am so bad at doing that!

[GeishaGirl]

I also run higher during mid-cycle and run VERY low during PMS week -- which is actually helpful, since I really really crave sugar anyway!