Role of insulin in female reproduction

Insulin resistance and related metabolic disorders are becoming increasingly common among women of reproductive age. However, the mechanisms by which insulin signaling influences female fertility remain only partially understood. Currently, there is rapid growth in the use of new insulin-sensitizing medications, such as sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, prescribed to women who may want to conceive, raising concerns about reproductive safety and benefits.

Insulin acts at multiple points along the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, including ovulatory function, oocyte maturation, and endometrial receptivity. Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome, diabetes, or obesity may impair oocyte development, modify IVF success rates, and compromise embryo implantation. Emerging evidence suggests that both SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists improve factors such as ovulatory function and androgen balance, though both carry safety concerns during the periconception period.

Clinicians managing women of reproductive age with insulin-related metabolic disorders should incorporate reproductive counseling into treatment planning. Ultimately, fertility-focused trials of newer insulin modifiers may be beneficial.