Polycystic ovary syndrome and miscarriage: a narrative review

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age. Although women with PCOS are often identified when presenting for oligomenorrhea or infertility care, PCOS is also linked to several metabolic morbidities, which may predispose to poor reproductive outcomes. Research has also suggested a possible independent association between PCOS and miscarriage, although available data are conflicting. This review focuses on the current literature regarding the risk of miscarriage and recurrent pregnancy loss in women with PCOS. First, we give an overview of the prevalence of miscarriage and recurrent pregnancy loss in this population and identify study limitations that contribute to the conflicting data regarding the potential association. Subsequently, we review the current literature on obesity, insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia, thrombophilia, hyperandrogenism, oocyte, and embryo quality and viability, endometrial receptivity, oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, in addition to the efficacy of potential risk-mitigating interventions for miscarriage in women with PCOS.