I woke up with cold sweats and I was hot like I was in an oven. It was middle of summer the year I turned 44; Little did I know, menopause affects millions of women in this world.
My moods started swinging, I started having joint pains, I was having insomnia, heart burn and depression. I fought with every one around me including my own children. My sister, my brother and all my family couldn't understand how this calm and sweet person could become like a monster. Worst of all my blood sugars shot up and stayed up all the time.
I couldn't tell whether I was going through hypoglycemia or menopausal symptoms and I didn't know whether to eat sweets to bring my sugar level up when I shook. I cried for no reason. My whole world seemed to be going down the drain and everyone was my enemy. I was all alone and nobody cared for me any more.
It lasted for almost five years.
My symptoms have subsided after all these years but once in a while I go through bouts of mood swings. Of all the major health issues I faced during this period, the most affected was my heart. I developed coronary artery disease.
I gathered information brochures from my doctors' visits, local libraries, and seminars over the years to find out more. I hope what I learned will help other women in similar situations with this article.
Most women go through menopause in their late 30's and 40's. Most of the women go through their last menstrual cycle in the their 50's.
Menopause causes :
1. A reduction or cessation of the production of hormones estrogen and progesterone in the body.
2. The pancreas to produce less insulin.
3. During the peri menopausal stage diabetic women may develop:
a. High blood sugars with increased resistance to insulin.
b. Low blood sugars with high sensitivity to insulin.
c. Low progesterone with high insulin sensitivity..
d. Low estrogen with high insulin resistance.
e. Low estrogen, which can lead to high risk of cardio vascular disease.
f. And Low estrogen, which can increase risk of osteoporosis.
Menopausal symptoms include:
a. hot flashes
b. cold sweats in the middle of the night.
c. insomnia
d. mood swings
e. depression
f. loss of interest in activities
g. more sedentary behavior.
Since diabetes causes similar symptoms with hypo and hyper-glycemia, it is hard to distinguish which is caused by diabetes or menopause.
Menopause is confirmed mostly after the absence of menstrual cycle for a period of one year or more. Women with type Diabetes 1 go through menopause earlier in age than women with Diabetes 2.
Leading a sedentary lifestyle is a large contributor in controlling diabetes, preventing coronary artery diseases, obesity and back pain. Cholesterol levels are also affected by the loss of hormones from menopausal symptoms because the hormones regulate both HDL and LDL cholesterol levels.
Benefits of exercise are invaluable in diabetic women experiencing menopause. Working out increases lean body mass, aids in metabolism and controls blood sugar while regulating body temperature. Stretching exercises like yoga and pilates help in flexibility and joint health, reducing the risk of osteoporosis. Exercise helps in controlling mood swings and managing stress during menopause.
Over the counter low dose hormone replacement pills, such estrogen, are used by many women who are in menopausal stages. In severe cases of menopause, a higher dose of estrogen and progesterone prescription may help. There are many forms of these hormones available in the market including patches, pills, natural herbs and vitamins, shots etc.
Those with pre-existing heart conditions are recommended to avoid any form of estrogen or progesterone. Diabetic patients who are also heart patients should be wary of their health limitations and consult their physician before starting any over the counter hormone replacement products.
Some tips to follow while in menopausal stages:
a. Healthy diet
b. Less caffiene (means less palpitations, less body temperatures and less hot flashes)
c. High protein diets, like legumes, soy products (that contain plant hormones or phytoestrogens)
d. more physical activities
e. stress relieving activities such as a stroll in the park, reading, listening to soft music (try to listen to more instrumental music as music with lyrics might trigger emotions), library visits, coffee with close friends or significant others at a local coffee shop, volunteering, swimming, yoga, meditation, whatever pleases your mind and keeps it diverted from menopausal symptoms.
Going through all the symptoms of menopause is not easy for most women even if they are in normal health condition. For women with diabetes and other ailments it is even harder to go through these life changing events. Menopause affects a woman's social, marital, family, work life, brings down self esteem and develops self doubt and feeling of aging.
Following proper exercise routine, taking medications at right times and eating healthy meals may reduce the affects of menopause and make the transition as comfortable as possible because 'Our Life Matters'.
"As a white candle in a holy place, so is a fine beauty of an aged face" - Sathya Mohan
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