 Women
with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome typically have a higher
rate of miscarriage than those who do not suffer from PCOS.
Miscarriage is defined as the spontaneous ending of a pregnancy before
its 24th week. Some studies show that the rate of miscarriage in women
with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is as much as 50%, as compared to the national average of 15%.
Not only do women with PCOS and its underlying Insulin Resistance have
more difficulty attaining pregnancy, but researchers have found that they
have more complications after becoming pregnant, with such problems as
preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, macrosomia, (babies bigger than 4,500
grams at birth), and clotting factors (1).
The exact cause of a miscarriage may be difficult to diagnose. There may
be contributing factors such as genetics, or anatomic or infectious abnormalities.
Frequently, the cause of a miscarriage is never explained. Researchers
are looking into major contributing factors from hormone abnormalities,
including Insulin Resistance.
Miscarriage and Insulin Resistance
PCOS is a syndrome of hormone imbalances; its dominant feature is that
the women who suffer from it are likely to have multiple hormonal imbalances
- some are too high while others are too low (2). One theory regarding
the higher incidence of miscarriage in women who have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is that the
occurrence is related to elevated insulin levels. Researchers definitely
see that miscarriage is more likely to occur in women who have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome PCOS, caused by Insulin Resistance, than in women who do not
have the condition (3).
In a pregnant woman with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, elevated levels of
insulin may interfere with the normal balance between factors promoting
blood clotting and those promoting the breakdown of the clots. High insulin
levels may actually result in increased blood clotting at the interface
between the uterine lining and the placenta, leading to placental insufficiency,
which is the failure of the placenta to supply nutrients to the fetus and
to remove toxic wastes. The result is miscarriage (4).
Miscarriage and Other Hormonal Imbalances
While some researchers believe that the link between PCOS and miscarriage
is due to Insulin Resistance, other studies find links between miscarriage
and high levels of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) (5). This is a glycoprotein
hormone that stimulates ovulation.
Still others suggest that high androgen (male hormone) levels may contribute
to the problem (6). Women with PCOS may experience dysfunctional levels
of both of these hormones, with yet another link to Insulin Resistance.
Researchers at the Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center found
that pregnant women with PCOS had significantly lower concentrations of
two key proteins in the uterine lining: glycodelin and IGF binding protein.
These proteins are secreted during pregnancy by the endometrium, the membrane
that lines a woman's uterus. Of the 134 women in the study, 12 had miscarriages
in the first trimester, and 10 of those 12 had PCOS. The two proteins may
play a key role in implantation of the embryo and maintenance of the pregnancy
(7).
Prevention of Miscarriage
There is no single solution that addresses all the symptoms of Polycystic
Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) or Insulin Resistance.
But you can take certain steps to improve your overall health that may
also be helpful in reducing the occurrence of miscarriage. These steps
include upgrading your overall diet, increasing your exercise, reducing
your stress levels, stabilizing your insulin and glucose levels and balancing
your hormonal systems. The Insulite
PCOS System incorporates all of these approaches to treat PCOS and
its underlying Insulin Resistance, which can be helpful in reducing the
risk of miscarriage.
You may be interested in some of our Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQs) on PCOS and the Insulite PCOS System.
(1) PCOSA
Newsletter, June 2005, Volume 8, Issue 1, p.9
(2) Miscarriage
and PCOS - Dunne, Dr. Nancy,
Natural Health Solutions for PCOS, Ovarian Cysts
(3) PCOS
and Miscarriage
- Glickman, Dr. Joe, Health Science Report, 1996-2005
(4) Miscarriage
and PCOS - Georgia Reproductive Specialists, IVF.com, 2005
(5) PCOS
- Causes and Treatments
- Women's Health, 2000
(6) Miscarriage
and PCOS
- Georgia Reproductive Specialists, IVF.com, 2005
(7) Low
Levels of Two Proteins Raise Miscarriage Risk.
- Health on the Net Foundation,Feb. 11, 2004
Click
here to read about PCOS and Lean Women
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