Endocrine Disorders Associated with Recurrent Miscarriage: Insights and Management
For expectant mothers worldwide, pregnancy is a journey filled with hope, but certain endocrine disorders can heighten the risk of miscarriage. These conditions disrupt hormonal balance and reproductive health, requiring targeted clinical and lifestyle interventions. Below, we explore six endocrine disorders linked to recurrent pregnancy loss and evidence-based strategies to mitigate risks. I. Endocrine Disorders Linked to Miscarriage Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism reduces metabolic efficiency, leading to fatigue, weight gain, and dry skin. During early pregnancy, the fetus relies entirely on maternal thyroid hormones. Insufficient thyroid function increases miscarriage risk due to impaired fetal development. Proper thyroid hormone replacement therapy is critical for maintaining pregnancy. Hyperprolactinemia Elevated prolactin levels disrupt gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) pulses, suppressing ovulation and corpus luteum function. This hormonal imbalance compromises progesterone production, essential for sustaining early pregnancy. Medications like dopamine agonists (e.g., cabergoline) can normalize prolactin levels and improve outcomes. Diabetes Mellitus Poor glycemic control in diabetes is associated with miscarriage, fetal malformations, and placental dysfunction. Insulin resistance and chronic hyperglycemia induce oxidative stress and inflammation, damaging embryonic cells. Preconception glycemic optimization—through insulin therapy or oral hypoglycemics—is vital to reduce risks. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) PCOS, marked by hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance, contributes to recurrent miscarriage through multiple mechanisms: Obesity and insulin resistance impair endometrial receptivity and promote hypercoagulability. Elevated plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) increases thrombosis risk, disrupting placental blood flow. Hyperandrogenism alters follicular development and ovarian function. Treatments include metformin (to improve insulin sensitivity), ovulation induction, and assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like IVF. Luteal Phase Defect (LPD) LPD involves inadequate progesterone secretion post-ovulation, leading to poor endometrial thickening and implantation failure. It is common in women with irregular cycles or diminished ovarian reserve. Progesterone supplementation during the luteal phase can stabilize the endometrium and support early pregnancy. Endometriosis Endometriosis triggers progesterone resistance and chronic inflammation, reducing endometrial receptivity. Pelvic adhesions and tubal blockages further elevate miscarriage risks. Studies show no significant increase in…