Does Insulin injection cause irregular menstruation?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am a 23-year-old female who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes a few years back. They originally started me on Novolog and Lantus. Currently, I take Humalog through an insulin pump. My issue lies within the fact that I have not gotten a period since about the time I started insulin injections about 2 and 1/2 years ago. Is it possible that the injections stopped my menstruation, or is that not even possible?

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Diabetes either T1 or T2 can affect menstrual cycles adversely. In females with T1 DM invariably there is a delay in starting of menarche, by almost a year or so. High blood glucose levels can affect hormonal functions. There can be either frequent or delayed periods. Sometimes there may be heavier bleeding. But total stoppage of menstruation for over two and half years is unlikely due to insulin therapy. Therefore, my suggestion is to consult a gynecologist locally and follow his/her advice. There may be a need to do a detailed pituitary and ovary hormonal check-up, to get to the cause of this situation. Plus you will also have to look at reducing your body weight as it shows grade 1 obesity. This could also be one of the causes.

Further strict blood glucose control is also very essential with FBG < 100 mg, PP 150 to 160 mg and HbA1c% <6.8. I hope I have cleared your doubts.

Thank you.