Implantation and Decidualization in PCOS: Unraveling the Complexities of Pregnancy

Abstract

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age, affecting 5–15% globally with a large proportion undiagnosed. This review explores the multifaceted nature of PCOS and its impact on pregnancy, including challenges in fertility due to hormonal imbalances and insulin resistance. Despite restoring ovulation pharmacologically, women with PCOS face lower pregnancy rates and higher risks of implantation failure and miscarriage. Our review focuses on the complexities of hormonal and metabolic imbalances that impair endometrial receptivity and decidualization in PCOS. Disrupted estrogen signaling, reduced integrity of endometrial epithelial tight junctions, and insulin resistance impair the window of endometrial receptivity. Furthermore, progesterone resistance adversely affects decidualization. Our review also examines the roles of various immune cells and inflammatory processes in the endometrium, contributing to the condition’s reproductive challenges. Lastly, we discuss the use of rodent models in understanding PCOS, particularly those induced by hormonal interventions, offering insights into the syndrome’s impact on pregnancy and potential treatments. This comprehensive review underscores the need for advanced understanding and treatment strategies to address the reproductive complications associated with PCOS, emphasizing its intricate interplay of hormonal, metabolic, and immune factors.