Submitted by Shelby D Burns Fri 07/06/2012
Women with PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) suffer miscarriage much more frequently than women who do not have the disease. The rate of miscarriage may be as much as 50%. The national average is around 15%.
The challenge of pregnancy and carrying to term For women with PCOS just getting pregnant is a challenge. Particular must be given to maintaining the pregnancy once it is achieved. Pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, macrosomia, and clotting factors are all conditions that pregnant women and their doctors must be vigilant to treat if they present.
Hormonal imbalance may be one cause The why of the miscarriage is hard to know. There is no single reason; the relationship between PCOS and miscarriage is a mystery. It could be genetics or anatomic abnormalities including hormone imbalance which can cause insulin resistance. One theory about PCOS and miscarriage has to do with elevated insulin levels. Elevated insulin levels can interfere with the normal balance between factor promoting blood clotting and those promoting the breakdown of the clots. It may result in increased clotting between the uterine lining and the placenta. If that happens, placental insufficiency will result in miscarriage.
There may be other causes Other studies have found that low concentrations of two key proteins, glycodelin and IGF binding protein, in the uterine lining may also have something to do with the relationship of PCOS and miscarriage. High levels of the male hormone androgen, luteinizing hormone and glycoprotein hormone may also contribute to loss of pregnancy.
Reducing the risk While there is no sure solution, pregnant women with PCOS can upgrade their health generally by increasing exercise, reducing stress levels, and stabilizing insulin and glucose levels.
