It is believed that diabetes disrupts hormone balance. Hormonal contraceptives are helpful for many women. They can help balance your hormones, which in turn can decrease the severity of your period. Many women on hormonal contraceptives, like the birth control pill, find they have very light periods. Ask your doctor if this option is a good one for you.Most women who are diabetic and on oral contraceptives adjust just fine. However, it is possible that this treatment could raise your blood sugar levels, so keep an eye on that if you choose this method.Other options include hormonal intrauterine devices, as well as other types of oral hormones, such as progesterone.;
, If you experience heavy bleeding on your period as a diabetic, you may need to talk to your doctor about iron supplements. Your doctor can check your blood work to see if you have low iron (iron anemia). If you do, your doctor will likely recommend that you take iron supplements, as well as increase iron in your diet.However, it's important to check your blood work and talk to your doctor before starting supplements. High iron in the blood can actually be detrimental for diabetics, so you don't want to increase your iron intake without knowing whether it's low or not.Iron anemia is generally characterized by weakness and fatigue.
 Another solution that may help you is tranexamic acid. This medication can help you bleed less during menstruation, and you only need to take it when you're bleeding. However, like most medications, diabetics should be cautious about taking it, so talk to your doctor about whether this prescription is a good option for you., If you do have heavier periods from diabetes, ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatory NSAIDs may help with the cramping pain. In addition, they may also help you bleed less. In some women, NSAIDs have the opposite effect (making you bleed more), so pay attention when you're taking them.Always talk to your doctor before starting any medication. Also, you should not take something like ibuprofen if you have an allergy to it.
Be sure to discuss dosing of NSAIDs with your doctor as well. NSAIDS may cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in Type 2 diabetics. They may also increase blood pressure and affect the kidneys, which are both areas of concern for diabetics., If you're having heavy periods, it's important to change your sanitary supplies fairly often, usually every 4 to 5 hours. You may need to do it more often if your period is particularly heavy.The exception to this rule is you don't need to change them overnight. However, you shouldn't have a tampon in more than 8 hours.
You could also try a reusable option, such as a menstrual cup, to keep costs down.
 While you may not feel like exercising on your period, it can actually help with the cramping and pain. It likely helps because it releases endorphins in your body, which make you feel better overall. Try keeping up your normal exercise routine if you can.Exercise is also helpful for managing diabetes.If you don't feel up to going to the gym, try a short walk around the block instead. Just do what you think you can do.
You can even try taking the stairs to squeeze in a bit of exercise.
 If your heavy periods are causing more severe cramps, warmth may help alleviate your symptoms a bit. You can use a heating pad on your back or abdomen or try a warm bath. The warmth can help your muscles relax, easing pain., It's important to stay hydrated all the time, but it's especially important on your period. Be sure to drink plenty of water while you're on your period, as you're losing some liquid on your period. Plus, staying hydrated can help you fight symptoms like fatigue and tiredness.As a diabetic, you're more prone to getting dehydrated, as high blood sugar levels can increase dehydration. If you get dehydrated, your blood sugar can actually drop too low. Try to drink 8 to 10 glasses of water a day., In the week leading up to your period as well as the week of your period, your hormones can fluctuate. In turn, that can cause your blood sugar levels to change drastically. Therefore, it's important to check your blood sugar more often than you normally would during this time. That way, you can take steps to manage the fluctuations.Changes in hormones can make your body slightly more resistant to insulin, causing your blood sugar levels to rise.How often you should check depends on how often you normally check it. Ask your doctor what seems right for you, as it can vary from person to person.
 Try keeping a journal of your blood sugar readings. If you keep one throughout the month, you'll likely be able to see patterns around your period. That way, you'll have some idea of what's coming each month when your period comes around.You can also try an app that helps you track your blood sugar, including apps like Diabetes Tracker, Diabetic Connect, and Glooko. In fact, some new monitors connect to apps on your phone, making the process easier., If you find your sugars fluctuate high near your period, you may need to eat fewer carbohydrates during this time period. However, it's always best to consult with your doctor or dietician before making an adjustment to your diet.For instance, you may need to eat fewer servings of carbs during the day, or you may need to cut back on the size of your servings. You can also swap out non-starchy vegetables for starchy vegetables. Just don't cut back too much, as that can drop your blood sugar levels too low.
Try not to give into cravings. Some women find they are hungrier and have cravings for sugar around their periods. Try not to increase your intake of carbohydrates, particularly refined carbs. If you are extra hungry, trying adding a few more non-starchy vegetables to your diet., If you're on insulin, you may need to adjust it higher around your period. Of course, you should only do so under the guidance of your doctor, as adjusting too much could cause your blood sugar levels to drop.Continue to monitor your blood sugar levels closely, as your sugar could drop quickly when your hormones fluctuate.
Talk about hormonal contraceptives.
Ask about iron supplements.
Discuss tranexamic acid with your doctor.
Try NSAIDs like ibuprofen at home.
Change your pad or tampon often.
Try a bit of exercise.
Use warmth when you have cramps.
Get enough water.
Check your blood sugar more often.
Track your blood sugar levels.
Adjust your carbohydrate intake.
Increase your insulin under doctor supervision.
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