Hi Elsiebear
This appears to be a problem encountered by several of us - in fact there was a thread on it a few weeks ago where I posted about my experience. Not sure if I can find it.
Aha - just done a search - here are a couple of threads:
http://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,33362.msg534905.html#msg534905http://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,32823.0.htmlTo save rewriting it I've quoted from my post in the first thread:
Hi Maxine B
Most definitely yes! I've had a tendency to this anyway throughout my life - on occasions getting what I now know is called reactive hypoglycaemia - where you get all the symptoms of true hypoglycaemia ( acute trembling, sweating feeling weak, craving sugar, needing to sit down until sugar rises, irritable) - because blood sugar has fallen too quickly but is not low as in diabetics. I've been to the doc about mine and was given a monitor - I measured a few times and the lowest was 4.2 I think which is fine.
When I was in late reproductive stage ( periods still completely regular but not yet peri-menopausal) I started to get migraines for the first time ( didn't know they were though) and also started getting these attacks during the second half of my cycle - probably a week or so before my period - and especially mid or late morning. Progesterone and oestrogen have a differential effect on blood sugar levels so when the balance changes throughout the cycle - it seems to affect some women more than others. It's also related to adrenalin I gather but I don't really understand it completely - complex endocrine control.
Morning was my weak time - I went from just having toast for breakfast to having cereal like shreddies, and then even that wouldn't work (would have the shakes by mid morning) so went onto Weetabix (while the children were growing up!) and then to muesli and then to muesli and toast. Now I'm on a different diet (to keep weight down) I have two boiled eggs and lots of fruit and yog for brek or bacon egg toms mushrooms as well as fruit and yog - and I'm OK - but it happened to me this morning at my exercise class (only had one egg + fruit + yog).
I agree eat little and often and above all cut out any added sugar from your diet for the most part ie sweet drinks, juice, biscuits and cakes ( including muesli bars which are usually loaded with sugar - not healthy at all!) - and reducing carbs especially refined ones - replacing all of this with lots of low fat protein, fruit veg nuts beans etc or whole wheat carbs ( but restrict these too). If you make sure you're never hungry but eat as above you should not put on weight (especially if you take exercise). The odd treat is fine - as well as the odd drink
This should stabilise your blood sugar and your tendency to get these attacks. Also try to identify your weak points - times of day or month and make sure you have plenty to eat at this time.
Ooops got carried away there but this problem has been with me for so long I have to be governed by it - well I know how to handle it now!
Hurdity x
I totally agree with Maryjane re the protein. You must eat a substantial meal a couple of hours before you perform. As you will know singing requires a huge amount of energy and breathing and it is easy to feel light-headed - which will be compounded by hormonal changes during peri-menopause (and before).
Cutting down sugar/carbs drastically is the way to go. Yes bananas are good - but I wouldn't have more than one a day (OK maybe 2 but not at once!) Lots of nuts....
I don't hold with the eating every 3 hours including through the night as our metabolism shuts down overnight - although if you eat early in the evening a slow release snack before bedtime seems to help some women. However if you have to get up a lot in the night (bladder etc) then your metabolism will kick start to some extent so in these circumstances I imagine a quick nibble (nuts!) might help!
Needing to eat after only an hour will definitely be helped by having big breakfast. Your metabolism sounds just like mine - breakfast to lunch being the tricky time.
I have said on other threads - the old saying "Breakfast like a king, lunch like a queen and dine like a pauper" notwithstanding bedtime snack if necessary! Do try. Look at what I have for breakfast. I guarantee if you have a big breakfast (lots of rtui yogurt and protein and a few carbs if you need them) it won't happen!
Hope this helps and good luck!
Hurdity x