Recurrent miscarriage
The loss of two or more pregnancies. Although each miscarriage is common and often due to chance chromosomal problems, repeated losses prompt investigation for treatable causes — including antiphospholipid syndrome, thyroid and hormonal problems, and structural or genetic factors.
What it means
A single miscarriage is common — many are due to random chromosomal errors in the pregnancy and do not recur. Recurrent miscarriage, usually defined as the loss of two or more pregnancies, is less common and is a reason to look for an underlying, potentially treatable cause, although in a proportion of couples no cause is found and the outlook for a future pregnancy can still be good. The recognised causes include antiphospholipid syndrome — an acquired autoimmune clotting disorder (detected through the lupus anticoagulant and related antibodies) that is one of the most important treatable causes; thyroid disease and other hormonal problems, such as an underactive thyroid, thyroid antibodies, poorly controlled diabetes, or a high prolactin; structural problems of the uterus; and chromosomal factors in one of the partners. Age also plays a strong role, as chromosomal problems in pregnancy become commoner with age. Because a few of these causes — particularly antiphospholipid syndrome and thyroid problems — are specifically treatable and can meaningfully improve the chance of a successful pregnancy, recurrent miscarriage warrants a structured evaluation rather than being left unexplained.
Common causes
- Antiphospholipid syndrome — an autoimmune clotting disorder; one of the most important treatable causes.
- Thyroid problems — an underactive thyroid or thyroid antibodies.
- Other hormonal factors — poorly controlled diabetes, a high prolactin.
- Structural problems of the uterus.
- Chromosomal factors — in the pregnancy or in one of the partners.
- Age — chromosomal problems become commoner with age.
- Often no cause is found — and the outlook can still be good.
Lab work-up approach
Recurrent miscarriage is investigated with a structured set of tests, guided by specialist protocols. These commonly include the antiphospholipid antibodies (the lupus anticoagulant and anticardiolipin/anti-beta-2-glycoprotein I) — often repeated to confirm — because antiphospholipid syndrome is treatable; thyroid function and thyroid antibodies; and, depending on the picture, other hormonal tests such as prolactin and glucose control, an assessment of the uterus, and genetic testing of the couple. Some thrombophilia testing may be considered in specific situations. The aim is to find the treatable causes. Mediora.AI can surface relevant markers — such as the lupus anticoagulant, thyroid function and thyroid antibodies — so a treatable pattern is visible, but recurrent miscarriage needs a structured evaluation by a specialist (a gynaecologist or a recurrent-pregnancy-loss clinic), who directs the investigation and any treatment.
Tests Mediora.AI can interpret
Related conditions
Panels to consider
When to see a doctor
The loss of two or more pregnancies is a reason to be referred for a structured evaluation, usually to a gynaecologist or a specialist recurrent-pregnancy-loss service. The purpose is to look for treatable causes — importantly antiphospholipid syndrome and thyroid problems, which can be managed in a way that improves the chance of a successful future pregnancy — as well as structural and genetic factors. It is worth seeking this assessment rather than assuming nothing can be done, since even when no cause is found the outlook is often reassuring, and where a treatable cause is identified, specific care in a future pregnancy can help. This is emotionally difficult, and support matters alongside the medical work-up. Mediora.AI can highlight relevant markers so a treatable pattern is visible; the evaluation and care belong with your specialist.