A new study was recently published by Dr. Megan Kelsey, an associate professor of pediatric endocrinology at Children's Hospital of Colorado and the University of Colorado School of Medicine in Aurora, linking irregular menstrual periods with type 2 diabetes.

The study, "Menstrual Dysfunction in Girls from the Treatment Options for Type 2 Diabetes in Adolescents and Youth (TODAY) Study", followed a cohort of girls over time and collected information on period cycles. It was a randomized controlled trial, that looked at the effects of metformin alone versus metformin plus rosiglitazone versus metformin plus lifestyle changes. Then, other information was determined and extracted.

The study found that 21% of those enrolled in the study had irregular periods. Furthermore, girls with irregular periods had a higher BMI, higher levels of total testosterone, free androgen, and AST. Girls also had lower levels of estradiol.

This information leads to more questions about the reasons for irregular periods and the potential consequences of irregular periods for women and girls with type 2 diabetes.

++++

If you're a woman with type 2 diabetes, have you found that it impacts your periods? Do you find that there is enough education on menstruation and hormone cycles? What would you like to see done differently in terms of education? Let us know in the comments below.

[comment]