Menstrual characteristics of women suffering from insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

Objective: To assess the frequency of menarche and menstrual disturbances among women suffering from insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, and to evaluate their correlation to the onset of diabetes, its duration, and complications. Research Design and Methods: Retrospective analysis of the menstrual regularity and gynecologic and fertility history of 100 women suffering from insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. These data were compared with information obtained from the patients' medical records regarding the age at onset of diabetes, its management, control, and complications. Results: The average age at menarche was 13.5 years. Delayed menarche tended to appear in girls whose diabetes was diagnosed before the age of menarche, and before the age of 10 years. Menstrual disturbances, such as oligomenorrhea, amenorrhea, and polymenorrhea, occurred in 32% of the women. A significant correlation was found between late menarche and menstrual disturbances. Furthermore, patients with diabetic complications had a higher incidence of menstrual disorders compared with uncomplicated diabetic patients. Conclusions: It appears that women with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus who had been diagnosed prior to menarche had a higher probability of delayed menarche, and were at higher risk for development of menstrual disturbances, including amenorrhea with subsequent fertility disorders.