Written By: Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti | Published : November 3, 2017 10:43 AM IST
Early menopause is known to up your risk of heart disease. But do you know it can also increase your chances of diabetes? Yes, the hormonal changes that happen in a woman suffering from diabetes have a strong impact on the metabolism, which plays a key role in type 2 diabetes. Also, as you hit menopause, the production of hormones estrogen and progesterone are also affected. Our expert Dr Rakesh Kumar Prasad, Senior Consultant, Dept of Endocrinology, Fortis Hospital, Noida explains the role of hormones in early menopause and how it can lead to diabetes. Also read 5 steps to take right now to prevent early menopause.
Early menopause and diabetes -- the relation?
The hormone estrogen is responsible for lowering blood glucose level while progesterone is responsible for increasing blood glucose level. As the hormones fluctuate through the menstrual cycle, these reactions produce spikes and drops of the blood glucose level. As these hormones interact actively with the insulin hormone, it is shown to make the body more resistant to insulin. As a result, many women may experience an upsurge in blood glucose level 3 to 5 days before and after their menstruation.
The earlier a woman begins menopause, the greater is her risk of developing diabetes, suggests a new study [1]. According to the study, early onset of natural menopause is an independent marker for type 2 diabetes in postmenopausal women. As the age of menopause advances, the risk of developing diabetes falls by 4 percent although there is no direct cause-and-effect relationship between early menopause and diabetes. Menopause at 45 to 55 years was linked to 60 percent higher odds of diabetes compared to menopause at later ages, according to the study. Menopause at ages 50 to 54 was associated with a reduced risk of heart disease and death. Also read is early menopause hereditary?
Even though research studies have found that hormone therapy can lower the risk of diabetes, you should not use it as the primary reason. Although you may decrease your chance of developing diabetes and osteoporosis, you are increasing your chance of developing cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, stroke, blood clots to the lungs, and migraines, breast tenderness, bloating, mood swings, depression, nausea and vaginal bleeding, concludes Dr Rakesh Kumar.
References:
Nurs Stand. 2017 Aug 9;31(50):16. doi: 10.7748/ns.31.50.16.s17.
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