The diverse application of using a CGM in Women’s health

The diverse application of using a CGM in Women’s health

The diverse application of using a CGM in Women’s health

Written by Dr Michelle Woolhouse

Women’s bodies change over their lifetime, they go from pre-puberty to adolescence, from pre-fertility, to fertility then post fertility all the way into senescence. Every month the female body changes due to the monthly circadian rhythm, due to the rise and fall of female sex hormones. If a woman fails to get pregnant each month, the cycle begins anew again. 


The monthly cycle, the three trimesters of pregnancy and subsequent delivery,  breastfeeding  and peri-menopause all are driven by a hormonal dance that is complex and ever-changing, dictated by the biological and reproductive needs of the species. Amazing isn’t it? How little the average woman knows about this complex dance, how often she feels that it fails her and much modern life can impact this delicate balance?


We know women are feeling the pressures of a busy life. Never before have we had more women in the work-place, and at the same time they continue to take on the lion’s share of child-rearing and the domestic load as well. Women’s stress can be seen broadly by their increased alcohol usage outweighing that of men’s. In a 2023 American Psychological Association survey, showed that women continued to report higher stress levels than their male counterparts. 


Women are also touted as key players in their families health. Women commonly drive food and health decision making within the family unit, and this can have wider implications to extended families. So there is a saying…help one woman be healthy and you will positively impact another 5.


The Role of Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) in Women’s Health

Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) are an innovative way for women to approach a key component of their hormonal health, by providing real-time insights into blood sugar fluctuations. CGMs have traditionally been used for managing type 1 diabetes, a serious disease which is due to pancreatic beta-cell destruction. But CGM are now finding a wider use and are being used in behaviour change programs, to help women understand the importance of glucose balance, lifestyle choices, such as stress, sleep, exercise and nutrition in optimising hormonal health and their metabolism. Previously seen and treated as separate systems,we are learning that all these systems inter-connect and influence each other in powerful ways, helping women understand their bodies more and most importantly what they can do about it.  

Blood Sugar and Hormonal Fluctuations

Women experience unique hormonal shifts throughout their lives—across menstrual cycles, pregnancy, breastfeeding and peri-menopause/menopause. These biological rhythms directly influence blood sugar levels. Estrogen and progesterone impact insulin sensitivity and thyroid function, meaning that blood sugar responses can vary significantly depending on the phase of the cycle. For instance, during the luteal phase (post-ovulation), a progesterone imbalance or an estrogen excess can increase insulin resistance, leading to higher glucose levels and more pronounced cravings. A CGM helps women identify their unique patterns, allowing for better dietary, exercise and lifestyle choices tailored to their hormonal landscape and their bodies unique needs. 

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common condition affecting up to 10% of women, is often characterized by insulin resistance. By using a CGM, women with PCOS can pinpoint how different foods, stress levels, and sleep patterns affect their blood sugar, empowering them to make data-driven adjustments to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce symptoms such as irregular cycles, weight gain, fatigue, fertility and inflammation.

CGM in Fertility and Pregnancy

Blood sugar regulation plays a critical role in fertility. Both high and low glucose levels are associated with oxidative stress and can impair ovulation. Altered fertility is a common factor in women and menstruating people with PCOS. This impairment of fertility is driven by insulin resistance and using a CGM offers the person a way to gather personalised insights into their lifestyle choices, helping them navigate changes that can support their glucose stabilisation and therefore change their reproductive and metabolic health.  CGMs enable women to track and optimize their glucose stability, potentially enhancing fertility outcomes by reducing inflammation and supporting hormonal balance.

During pregnancy, maintaining stable blood sugar is critical for both maternal and fetal health. Gestational diabetes affects about 10% of pregnancies and increases the risk of complications such as preeclampsia, shoulder dystocia, hypoglycemia in the newborn and high birth weight. A CGM gives the woman an opportunity to learn what works for her body, it can help her see, in real time,  the results of any lifestyle changes she makes and can lead to increased confidence in her interventions at a sensitive time in her life and ultimately reduce the risk of serious harm to her un-born child. .

Menopause and Metabolic Health

As women approach menopause, both estrogen and progesterone decline, often leading to increased insulin resistance and higher risks of metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes and cardio-vascular disease. A CGM can help women understand how their metabolism shifts over time and adopt strategies like strength training, personalised exercise programs, weight management interventions or targeted nutrition to maintain metabolic flexibility.

By offering personalised insights, CGMs empower women to take proactive control of their health, optimizing hormonal balance, fertility, and longevity. Whether addressing PCOS, pregnancy, gestational diabetes or menopause, CGM technology is a valuable tool in supporting women learn about their changing hormonal landscape.