Managing PCOS, endometriosis & diabetes with your menstrual cycle

June 19, 2025

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Let’s be real! Periods are hard enough to manage on their own, without having chronic conditions to add to the mix. Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis and diabetes don’t just affect your overall reproductive health, they also have a direct impact on your menstrual cycle and can lead to various endocrine disorders.

If you’ve noticed changes in your flow, timing, or symptoms and wondered whether it’s connected to your health conditions, you are not alone. Many of us experience difficulties with their periods because of such chronic conditions including menstrual irregularities and abnormal bleeding, and it can be confusing to know what’s normal and what needs attention.

Why do chronic conditions interfere with my period in the first place?

Your period is controlled by a balance of hormones: estrogen, progesterone and a few others. They work together to cause the different phases of your menstrual cycle and when you’ll get your period. When this delicate balance is disrupted, it can result in hormonal imbalance that affects your entire reproductive system.

Chronic illnesses such as PCOS, endometriosis and diabetes can all disrupt these hormones in different ways often leading to ovulation disruption and changes in cycle length.

Depending on your condition, they can make your period heavier or lighter, more painful, or just plain unpredictable.

What are some changes in periods caused by these chronic conditions?

Before we get into the specifics of each chronic condition, let’s briefly understand what happens during PCOS, endometriosis and diabetes.

PCOS often causes higher levels of androgens (male hormones), which can result in irregular or missed periods, unpredictable ovulation, and changes in period flow. This condition is also commonly associated with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.

Endometriosis is linked to higher estrogen levels in the body, which can cause the growth of uterus-like tissue outside the uterus, leading to very painful periods and sometimes heavier periods. The inflammatory response triggered by this condition can cause severe pelvic pain and affect the uterine lining.

Diabetes can affect insulin and other hormone levels in the body, which in-turn can make your periods lighter and irregular. Poor blood sugar levels management can significantly impact menstrual cycle changes.

Let's start with PCOS. What is it?

PCOS is actually a really prevalent condition - roughly 1 out of 10 women who get their periods have it.

With PCOS, your body makes excess androgens (male hormones), which interfere with ovulation and can lead to fertility issues.

In some women, the ovaries might also have lots of tiny, fluid-filled sacs called follicles. These aren’t true cysts, but they’re immature eggs that don’t always get released, so ovulation doesn’t happen like clockwork. These are different from ovarian cysts, which are larger fluid-filled sacs.

So, what does this mean for my period?

If you have PCOS, it is likely that your periods might be irregular.

You could skip months, or sometimes have periods that last way longer than normal. Some women get fewer than eight periods a year, or sometimes none at all.

And when your period does finally show up, it might be heavier than usual, because the lining of your uterus has had more time to build up, so now it has to do more work to shed the lining.

Others might have lighter or shorter periods, or even just spotting. No bleeding at all.

You might also notice other symptoms, like acne, oily skin, extra hair growth on your face or body, hair thinning and weight gain. Some women also have trouble getting pregnant and may experience chronic fatigue.

How can I manage my periods better with PCOS?

Three super simple tips for managing your periods if you have PCOS:

1. Move your body: Regular exercise like walking, dancing, yoga, or even just stretching—can help balance your hormones and make your periods more regular. This can also help improve insulin resistance, which is common in PCOS. Find something you actually like, so it doesn’t feel like work. Even on your periods, some light stretching goes a long way.

2. Eat a balanced diet: I am sure you’ve been told before but try to fill your plate with lots of fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins. Cut back on processed foods and sugar, that can help your hormones stay in check and might make your periods less unpredictable. To understand further read our blog on how nutrition affects your body.

3. Track your cycle: Use a period app or jot down your period dates and symptoms in a notebook. This helps you spot any patterns and makes it easier to talk to your doctor if anything feels off. Read our blog on Asan Period Tracker.

Also don’t hesitate to check in with your doctor for some extra support! In some cases, hormone therapy might be recommended to help regulate your cycle.

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What is endometriosis and why does it make my periods so painful?

Endometriosis is when tissue such as the lining of your uterus decides to explore other career options and grows outside your uterus like on your ovaries, fallopian tubes, or even your bladder. This tissue acts just like the stuff inside your uterus: every month, it builds up, breaks down, and bleeds when you get your period. But the catch here is - the blood and tissue outside your uterus have nowhere to go, so they get trapped inside your body, which then causes inflammation, unbearable pain and scar tissue in the body.

The pain might start a few days before your period and can last for several days, it can even make you miss school and work. Some women also get pain in their lower back, pain during or after sex, or pain when peeing or pooping - especially during their period. This chronic pelvic pain can be debilitating and may be associated with autoimmune conditions in some cases.

How can I manage my periods better with endometriosis?

Endometriosis is when tissue such as the lining of your uterus decides to explore other career options and grows outside your uterus like on your ovaries, fallopian tubes, or even your bladder. This tissue acts just like the stuff inside your uterus: every month, it builds up, breaks down, and bleeds when you get your period. But the catch here is - the blood and tissue outside your uterus have nowhere to go, so they get trapped inside your body, which then causes inflammation, unbearable pain and scar tissue in the body.

The pain might start a few days before your period and can last for several days, it can even make you miss school and work. Some women also get pain in their lower back, pain during or after sex, or pain when peeing or pooping - especially during their period. This chronic pelvic pain can be debilitating and may be associated with autoimmune conditions in some cases.

Diabetes

What are the different types of diabetes?

There are two main types of diabetes, and they can affect your period in different ways

1. Type 1 diabetes is when your body doesn't make insulin at all. It usually shows up in childhood or your teens, and you need insulin injections to survive. With Type 1, your blood sugar levels can fluctuate pretty quickly, which can really mess with your hormones and make your periods unpredictable.

2. Type 2 diabetes is when your body either doesn't make enough insulin or doesn't use it properly. That’s called insulin resistance. This type usually develops later in life and is way more common

3. Here’s the thing - Type 2 diabetes tends to have a bigger impact on your menstrual cycle. When your body can't use insulin properly, it affects other hormones too, leading to more significant hormonal imbalances. This can cause heavier periods, longer cycles, or even missed periods altogether. Type 2 diabetes often comes with weight changes and metabolic syndrome, which can make period problems even worse.

That being said, both types can definitely affect your cycle, it's just that Type 2 diabetes often creates a bigger hormonal mess.

How does having diabetes affect my cycle?

Diabetes and your period are more connected than you might think! Basically, when your blood sugar isn’t well controlled that’s if it’s too high or low, it can mess with your hormones and in turn your period cycle. This can lead to estrogen dominance or other hormonal imbalances that affect your reproductive health.

Some even notice that they get heavier periods, or that their periods flip-flop when blood sugar is unbalanced. Poor glucose control can cause significant menstrual cycle changes and may contribute to fertility issues over time.

How can I manage my periods better being diabetic?

Three super simple tips for managing your periods if you have diabetes:

1. Keep an eye on your blood sugar: Try checking your blood sugar a little more often before, during, and just after your period. Tracking both your sugars and cycle helps you spot patterns and make changes if you need to.

2. Eat balanced meals and watch out for cravings: It’s fully normal to crave sweets or carbs before your period, but try to choose healthier options like whole grains, fruits, and veggies. This helps keep your blood sugar steady and avoid spikes in sugar.

3. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help your body handle blood sugar fluctuations better and reduce bloating or cramps during your period.

Again if your period is dramatically changing, it's always a good idea to talk to your doctor.

Any last words of advice for handling periods when you have a chronic condition?

1. Track your cycle: Apps, calendars, or even taking notes on your phone can help you pay attention to patterns. To know more read our blog on Beginners Guide to using Period Tracking apps.

Talk to your doctor: If your period is seriously, seriously heavy, painful, or unpredictable, your doctor can help you figure out what's going on and what might help you.

2. Try a menstrual cup: Many people with heavy or irregular periods find menstrual cups more convenient and less wasteful!. If you’re new to cups, check out our blog on What is a menstrual cup?

3. Prioritise self-care: Rest, eat well, and be kind to yourself. Your body is working hard!

And finally remember, You’re not alone. Lots of people are dealing with periods and chronic conditions, and it’s okay to ask for help. Listen to your body, reach out for support, and don’t be afraid to try new things to make your period work for you.

This blog is written by Dr Meghdeepa K. All content is medically accurate. However this blog does not provide medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional if you are facing any unusual symptoms.