Ep 172 - When Hormones Change the Rules: Type 1 Diabetes, Perimenopause & HRT

What happens when a women's health nurse practitioner also lives with type 1 diabetes herself?

In this episode of the Type 1 in Midlife Podcast, Melissa sits down with Dena Kranzberg, DNP, WHNP-BC, women's health nurse practitioner, certified personal trainer, and woman living with type 1 diabetes for 35 years.

Melissa and Dena talk openly about the intersection of type 1 diabetes, perimenopause, menopause, hormone replacement therapy (HRT/MHT), insulin sensitivity, strength training, nutrition, and metabolic health—and why these pieces of women's health shouldn't be treated in isolation.

Dena shares how her own experience with type 1 diabetes influences the way she cares for women, including one of her guiding principles: just as there is no single diabetes regimen that works for everyone, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to hormone therapy.

They also discuss why symptoms such as joint pain, brain fog, fatigue, sleep changes, body composition changes, mood shifts, tinnitus, and changing blood sugars may deserve a closer look during perimenopause—even when hot flashes aren't part of the picture.

You'll also hear Dena's personal experience beginning hormone therapy in her 30s, becoming a competitive bodybuilder while managing type 1 diabetes, and why she believes strength training is one of the most important habits women can build for glucose management, muscle, bone health, and healthy aging.

Most importantly, this conversation is a reminder that your experience is real, your symptoms matter, and you don't have to wait until things get worse to start asking questions.

In this episode:

• Type 1 diabetes and changing insulin needs during perimenopause
• Estrogen, progesterone and testosterone
• Individualizing hormone replacement therapy
• Symptoms of perimenopause beyond hot flashes
• Muscle as a tool for glucose management and healthy aging
• Strength training, protein and body composition
• HRT, joint pain, sleep, energy and metabolic health
• Advocating for yourself when something has changed
• Why women's health needs a more holistic approach

If you're a woman with type 1 diabetes navigating perimenopause or menopause or simply wondering why your body and blood sugars suddenly seem to be playing by different rules, this is a conversation you'll want to hear.

Whether you're experiencing symptoms or simply want to better understand your body, this conversation is filled with practical education and encouragement.

Connect with Dena Kranzberg:

IG

@denabetic

@denathednp

Linkedin

Connect with Melissa Slemp:

Follow on:

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Check out Melissa's website

Purchase Melissa's book, Highs, Lows, & Hormones

Connect with other like-minded women in a supportive group coaching community:

Highs, Lows, & Hormones Circle

Visit diabetessisters.org to join. It's free, easy to use, and a great place to find community and support.

Disclaimer: Nothing you hear on this Type 1 in Midlife Podcast should substitute for professional medical advice. Please always consult your medical professional before changing your diet, insulin dosages or health care plan.