Recurrent Miscarriage
Recurrent abortion or recurrent miscarriage has been defined as the occurrence of three or more clinically recognized pregnancy losses before 20 weeks from the last menstrual period. Potential causes of recurrent miscarriages include genetic abnormalities, endocrine disorders [luteal phase insufficiency, thyroid disorders, diabetes mellitus, hyperprolactinemia], acquired anatomic abnormalities [leiomyomas, endometriosis, uterine synechiae, cervical incompetence], congenital anatomic abnormalities [Mullerian duct abnormalities, cervical incompetence], immunologic factors [antiphospholipid syndrome, other thrombophilias] and infections.
Evaluation for these abnormalities usually begins after two or three miscarriages. Reproductive endocrinologists are specifically trained to evaluate and treat patients with recurrent abortions.
