Could rosacea cause low HbA1c in a 34-year-old woman?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 34-year-old woman dealing with rosacea for the past two years, mainly affecting my cheeks and nose with persistent redness, occasional bumps, and flushing that worsens with stress or hormonal changes. Recently, I have noticed that my skin flares up more severely in the days leading up to my period, along with intense irritability, mood swings, and fatigue.

My gynecologist believes that I might have PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder), as these emotional and physical symptoms have become harder to manage. Additionally, I have been feeling dizzy and shaky between meals, and my recent blood test showed a low HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) of 4.1 percent, even though I do not have diabetes and have not been on any glucose-lowering treatments.

Are these unrelated issues, such as rosacea, PMDD, and low HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin), related? It can be hormonally or metabolically connected.

Could my skin condition be influenced by the same underlying imbalances affecting my mood and blood sugar?

Please suggest.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query and can understand your concern.

Your rosacea, PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) symptoms, and low HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) are interconnected. They are influenced by a combination of hormonal and metabolic imbalances because rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition, and environmental factors often trigger it. It is also known to flare with stress, hormonal shifts, and systemic inflammation, all of which are common in the days leading up to menstruation.

Since your rosacea worsens before your period, it is due to hormonal fluctuations, particularly in estrogen and progesterone levels, essential in your skin flare-ups and mood changes. PMDD is driven by an abnormal sensitivity to regular hormonal shifts during the menstrual cycle, and it often causes emotional symptoms like irritability, mood swings, and fatigue, as you described.

In addition, your low HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) of 4.1 percent suggests that your average blood glucose runs on the lower side, and the shakiness and dizziness between meals point to reactive hypoglycemia. Low blood sugar can not only worsen fatigue and emotional symptoms but also trigger stress responses in the body, which in turn aggravate inflammatory skin conditions like rosacea.

These issues are not isolated; they reflect a shared underlying dysregulation involving your hormones, nervous system, and glucose metabolism. Addressing them together through dietary support to stabilize blood sugar, hormonal evaluation (especially in the context of PMDD), and anti-inflammatory strategies for your skin will help bring more overall balance and relief.

I hope this answers your query.

Let me know if I need to assist you further.

Thank you.