Is it true that diabetes can cause you to not have your period until a later age?

In more common specific circumstances, it is true that POORLY CONTROLLED diabetes can delay the development of menstruation. There are a number of factors that come into play, including, some think, a degree of percent of body fat. Other conditions that often occur with diabetes, such as thyroid gland problems, can also disrupt the normal progression and timing of pubertal milestones. Most of these other issues are rather easily tested for by blood tests.

Lack of periods also has to be taken in context with the girl’s other signs of puberty (degree of breast development and pubic hair and growth spurt, for example). If there has been any sexual intercourse/penetration, even if a girl had not experienced the first period, then pregnancy should be excluded.

Talk to your Diabetes Team about specific questions about your health.

DS