The Present State of Research on Ferroptosis in Women’s Reproductive System Disorders

Abstract

Ferroptosis is considered a new autophagy-dependent form of cell death, characterized chiefly by the buildup of reactive oxygen species and over-oxidation of lipids that culminate in cellular demise. The process is finely tuned by cellular iron, lipid, and amino‑acid metabolic pathways, which engage in numerous pathophysiological mechanisms; these can both drive disease initiation and impede its progression. Gynecologic and obstetric disorders constitute female reproductive system diseases; factors such as lifestyle, environmental exposures, and stress jeopardize women’s quality of life and overall health. Scientific studies indicate that iron deficiency exerts a crucial impact on the onset, progression, and therapeutic management of female reproductive disorders. The present review comprehensively examines studies on ferroptosis mechanisms, outlines its involvement in clinical gynecologic and obstetric diseases, and deliberates on the current research landscape, outstanding challenges, and prospective directions, aiming to deepen insight into ferroptosis and propose novel therapeutic strategies for female reproductive disorders.