How Common is Miscarriage with PCOS?

One of the most distressing complications associated with PCOS is its potential to cause fertility issues, including an increased risk of miscarriages.

But how common are miscarriages with PCOS? 

We’ll ponder this question in this blog post and provide a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between PCOS and miscarriage.

The Link Between PCOS and Miscarriage

PCOS can lead to various complications that may affect a woman's fertility. The condition often results in irregular ovulation or lack of ovulation altogether, making it difficult for women with PCOS to conceive naturally.

Unfortunately, even when conception occurs, women with PCOS face an increased risk of experiencing miscarriages.

Miscarriages are sadly quite common in general, affecting approximately 10-20% of known pregnancies. 

However, studies suggest that the risk may be significantly higher for women with PCOS.

Some research indicates that the miscarriage rate for women with this condition could be as high as 30-50%. This elevated risk can be attributed to several factors related to PCOS, such as insulin resistance, elevated levels of male hormones (androgens), and poor egg quality.

The Role of Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance is an identifying symptom common in PCOS and can increase the risk of miscarriages among these women. 

Insulin resistance results in higher levels of insulin in the blood, which can stimulate an overproduction of male hormones or androgens. 

These elevated hormone levels can disrupt the formation and release of eggs from the ovaries, known as ovulation. This leads to difficulties in conception and increased chances of miscarriage.

Low Progesterone in Women with PCOS

Because of weak and infrequent ovulation, many with PCOS have low progesterone levels. High estrogen levels, common in PCOS, can also cause low progesterone. 

Progesterone is essential to a healthy pregnancy because it builds the uterine lining, allowing fertilized eggs to implant, helps the uterus grow throughout pregnancy, prevents premature contractions, and prepares the body for labor. 

Poor Egg Quality and Miscarriages with PCOS

Another factor contributing to the higher rate of miscarriages with PCOS is poor egg quality. Women with PCOS often have higher levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) in their bodies. This hormone stimulates ovulation, but when present in excess, it can lead to the production of lower-quality eggs that are less likely to result in a viable pregnancy.

The Impact of High BMI on Miscarriage Rates

High BMI or being overweight is another common feature among women with PCOS, and it further increases the risk of miscarriage. 

Excess weight can exacerbate insulin resistance and hormonal imbalances, making it even more challenging for women with PCOS to maintain a healthy pregnancy.

Managing the Risk of Miscarriage with PCOS

While the risk of miscarriage is higher for women with PCOS, it's important to remember that many women with this condition do successfully carry pregnancies to term. 

There are several strategies that can help manage the risk:

1. Prepare for Pregnancy: Before trying to conceive, it’s essential to address nutrient deficiencies and improve your nutrition habits to give your baby the best possible start. Check out my Nutrition Consultation and Fertility Meal Planning here. 

2. Lifestyle Changes: Adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the symptoms of PCOS and improve fertility. Maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, and weight management can decrease your risk for miscarriage. 

3. Hormonal Therapy: In many cases, progesterone therapy can help prevent miscarriages if low progesterone is a symptom of your particular PCOS. 

4. Regular Monitoring: Regular check-ups and monitoring by healthcare professionals can help detect any potential issues early on, increasing the chances of successful pregnancy management.

Minimizing the Risk of Miscarriages with PCOS

While miscarriages with PCOS are unfortunately more common than in women without this condition, it's crucial not to lose hope. With proper management strategies in place, including lifestyle changes, medical treatment options, and regular monitoring by healthcare professionals - many women with PCOS have been able to overcome these challenges and successfully carry their pregnancies to term. 

To support your baby’s development and lower risks of pregnancy complications through nutrition management, check out my signature program for Healthy Pregnancy Coaching.