- Women with PCOS, also called polycystic ovary disease, typically have the symptoms of a lack of menstrual cycles or irregular menstrual cycles, acne, obesity, unwanted facial and body hair growth and typically infertility. PCOS is a hormone imbalance wherein the ovaries produce too much androgen. Many of these symptoms, including infertility, can be reversed with weight loss. The exact cause for this syndrome is still unknown.
- The most common first symptom of a miscarriage is vaginal bleeding. Not all vaginal bleeding during early pregnancy leads to miscarriage but it definitely warrants a call to the physician. Along with the vaginal discharge of blood or unusual-colored mucus, miscarriages can cause abdominal pain and lower back pain. Also, pregnancy symptoms such as nausea and breast tenderness can stop with or without bleeding. For women who worry about having a miscarriage, doctors typically do blood tests to find out the levels of pregnancy hormone in the woman's body, which should generally rise from conception throughout pregnancy. Falling or decreasing hormones typically coincide with a miscarriage.
- Miscarriages happen for many reasons. A miscarriage is a spontaneous loss of pregnancy before the 24th week. Women with PCOS typically have a higher rate of miscarriage than those who do not have this syndrome. Some scientists and doctors believe that the reason for this is the underlying problem of insulin resistance. Insulin resistance can cause more blood clotting, which happens between the uterine lining and the placenta. This inhibits the placenta from supplying nutrients to the fetus. Also, the placenta is unable to remove toxins from the uterus. The result is always a miscarriage. Not all miscarriages are related to PCOS, however. Many times the reason for a miscarriage is not diagnosed.
- Some other causes of miscarriage not related to PCOS are genetics, illnesses, having a weak cervix, lifestyle and diet. It is believed that most miscarriages happen for genetic reasons such as chromosomal abnormalities coming from a defective egg or sperm. Many genetic miscarriages happen very early on in pregnancy, sometimes before the pregnancy is even detected. Illnesses with high fevers and illnesses such as German measles can cause miscarriages. Also, vaginal bacterial infections can lead to a later (second semester) miscarriage. Alcohol, smoking and a high intake of caffeine can also cause miscarriages. Even hormonal problems can cause miscarriages.
- Women who miscarry typically follow two paths. The first path is to just let the pregnancy complete itself and allow the miscarriage to go on without intervention. The second is getting a D&C, or a dilation and curettage. This is a small procedure that can be done in most OB/GYN offices, and typically the patient can go home in an hour or two. The doctor first dilates the cervix and then takes either a suction or small sharp instrument to remove the lining. She may also take samples of the lining for analysis. A D&C is typically recommended for women who do not have a complete miscarriage, which is not uncommon for women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
- Some doctors prescribe Metformin and other insulin-sensitizing drugs to help reduce the risk of miscarriage for a woman who has PCOS. This keeps down the amount of blood clotting that occurs. Blood thinners are also prescribed for some women. Women can take extra steps to reduce their risk of miscarriage and boost fertility by adopting lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, exercising regularly, reducing stress and avoiding toxic environments. You should also be working closely with your physician when trying to conceive. Also adding cleansing products (e.g. colon or liver cleanse) frees the body of toxins and herbal and nutritional supplements, which can aide while trying to get pregnant.
