Is infertility related to heart health?

This analysis looked at whether women with infertility are at risk of heart disease or stroke. This study found that women with infertility have greater risk factors for heart disease compared to women who do not have infertility.

One in six couples experiences infertility. Among 50% of couples, women have infertility. Studies suggest that infertility may also affect other areas of the body. Women with infertility may have risk factors for heart disease and stroke, such as high LDL cholesterol.

One cause of female infertility is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a female metabolic disorder that affects 5 to 15% of women. Women with PCOS do not ovulate (release an egg) regularly. It is unclear if heart disease risk is higher among women with PCOS or women with infertility in general.

This study evaluated 13 studies. 7 studies looked at women with PCOS. One study looked at women with early ovary failure. 5 studies looked at women with any cause of infertility or unexplained infertility.

Among 7 studies, women with infertility had significantly higher markers for heart disease. On average, women with infertility had higher total cholesterol (18.13 mg/dL higher), triglyceride levels (43.75 mg/dL higher) and LDL cholesterol (22.99 mg/dL higher).

Among 7 studies, women with infertility also had higher body weight (0.78 kg/m2 higher BMI). One study found that women who had infertility for at least 5 years had a 35% higher risk of heart disease, stroke, or heart failure.

7 studies looked at women with PCOS. Women with PCOS and other women with infertility had similar markers of heart health. However, women with PCOS also had higher blood sugar and insulin levels when not eating (fasting levels).

This study found that women with infertility have greater risk factors for heart disease compared to women who do not have infertility. The authors recommend checking body weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels during fertility exams.

Different causes of infertility may have different impacts on heart health. This study did not look at other causes of infertility other than PCOS. More studies are needed.