Possible pathways linking PCOS and insomnia

These are two pathways by which PCOS may cause insomnia:

(1) via glucose intolerance / insulin resistance
(2) via an imbalance of the ratio of oestrogen to progesterone

From what I’ve read, insulin resistance / high blood glucose levels put pressure on the adrenal glands, resulting in the release of too much cortisol. This excess of cortisol promotes anxiety and makes it difficult to relax, and fall asleep.

The second pathway is about an excess of oestrogen and lack of progesterone – two female hormones. Many conventional doctors disagree, but according to Patient Advocates Ltd (the link is provided) and a naturopath I saw a few years ago, progesterone is the ‘feel good’ hormone. Here’s a list of some of the things it does:

* Reduces mood disorders (eg. anxiety, depression)
* Relieves endometriosis and PCOS
* Increases energy and libido
* Balances blood sugar levels and thyroid function
* Is necessary for fertility and maintaining pregnancy
* Relieves menopausal symptoms
* Reduces hair loss
* Improves sleep

Progesterone levels can be increased by using a progesterone cream. I’ve been prescribed this cream in the past, but haven’t used it (yet) for treating insomnia. However from what I’ve been told, the “women’s balance” supplement that I'm taking - and listed in the previous blog - also helps to improve the oestrogen/progesterone ratio.