Have you found yourself craving sugar lately?. Does your sweet tooth resurge when you’re experiencing PMS symptoms? Your blood sugar level can influence the symptoms of PMS and PMDD. Keep reading to learn how blood sugar could be connected to PMS!
The blood sugar and PMS connection
If you are eating high amounts of sugary foods, there might be high amounts of glucose, which need insulin to be converted into energy. High blood sugar can have many side effects such as inflammation and tissue damage, often leading to fatigue and “sugar-crashes”. If insulin regularly needs to be released in high amounts, oestrogen and testosterone levels can potentially rise, which can intensify PMS symptoms.
Furthermore, fluctuating blood sugar levels can trigger the release of cortisol, the stress hormone, and progesterone, an extremely important reproductive hormone for fertility. If too much progesterone is being used to balance blood sugar levels, there might not be enough left to ensure proper ovulation and support fertility. So if you were wondering if does sugar make pms worse, yes, it make it worse.
Sugar and PMDD
PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome that affects some women. Symptoms of PMDD can include mood swings, depression, anxiety, irritability, and physical symptoms such as bloating and breast tenderness. Eating a lot of sugar can make PMDD symptoms worse. Sugar can cause your blood sugar to rise, which can cause mood swings, irritability, and fatigue. In addition, sugar increases inflammation in the body, which can worsen physical symptoms such as bloating and breast tenderness.
PMDD hypoglycemia
Low blood sugar PMS, also known as hypoglycemia is a medical condition characterized by abnormally low blood sugar levels. Some women with PMDD may experience hypoglycemia as a symptom of their condition. This is because the changes in hormone levels that occur during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle can affect insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism in the body.
How high blood sugar could be increasing your PMS symptoms
Due to the hormonal imbalance that high/varying blood sugar levels can cause, PMS symptoms may worsen or be intensified. Many women experience more sugar cravings during PMS and have more fatigue and stress. Regulating blood sugar levels is important to help balance these hormones and potentially relieve symptoms.
High blood sugar during ovulation
During the menstrual cycle, hormone levels fluctuate, which can affect insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism in the body. In the days before ovulation, some women may develop insulin resistance, which causes blood sugar levels to rise. Some women may also experience a drop in blood sugar during menstruation, which can lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Sugar imbalance symptoms
An imbalance in blood sugar levels can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Mood swings and irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
- Headaches
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
- Sweating and shaking
- Hunger and cravings
- Blurred vision
- Nausea
- Increased heart rate
Tips to regulate your blood sugar
Limiting foods with refined sugar, limiting alcohol and caffeine, and trying to eat whole foods can help you regulate your blood sugar (fruits for PMS are a very good option!) Exercise, sleep, and trying to reduce stress are all great holistic ways to help you live a healthier lifestyle as well!
“Does menstruation affect blood sugar?” Yes, menstruation can affect blood sugar levels in women, particularly in those who have diabetes or are at risk for developing diabetes.
If you’re concerned about how your blood sugar levels are impacting PMS symptoms, consult your physician about the best steps to take!
