The Hormone Cafe: Blog

with Dr. Sarah Pederson

Understanding Miscarriage: The Four Root Causes and How to Prevent Future Loss

Miscarriage is one of the most emotional and misunderstood experiences in women’s health. While it is often described as “unexplained,” most losses have identifiable, treatable causes. Women deserve more than reassurance and waiting—they deserve clarity, answers, and a plan.

Why You Deserve Answers After a Miscarriage

Many women are advised to wait for multiple miscarriages before receiving a full evaluation. This outdated guidance prevents early identification of issues that can be resolved or improved.

A single miscarriage can offer valuable insight into reproductive health, hormone function, uterine environment, and whole-body wellness. Pursuing answers early allows you to address contributing factors, reduce future risk, and improve your chances of a healthy pregnancy.

Every woman deserves validation, comprehensive testing, and proactive care—not uncertainty or dismissal.


  1. Egg and Sperm Quality

Up to 90 percent of miscarriages are linked to chromosomal abnormalities in the embryo. These issues often originate from the quality of the egg or sperm.

What Influences Egg Quality

Egg development depends heavily on cellular health and antioxidant availability. Daily habits that support optimal egg quality include:

  • Eating antioxidant-rich foods such as leafy greens, berries, avocado, and turmeric
  • Drinking green tea
  • Prioritizing whole, nutrient-dense meals

Targeted supplements like CoQ10, resveratrol, and alpha-lipoic acid may also be recommended, depending on individual lab results and clinical needs.

Why Sperm Health Matters

Male-factor fertility issues contribute to miscarriage risk just as often as egg-related issues. A complete sperm analysis should evaluate:

  • Morphology (shape)
  • Motility (movement)
  • DNA fragmentation and chromosomal integrity

Improving both partners’ reproductive health significantly enhances embryo quality and reduces the likelihood of pregnancy loss.


  1. Hormone Balance

The process of selecting and maturing an egg spans approximately 90–120 days, meaning hormone balance throughout this entire window plays a critical role in miscarriage prevention.

Hormone Factors That Influence Early Pregnancy

  • During the follicular phase, estrogen must rise steadily to develop a strong, healthy follicle.
  • After ovulation, balanced progesterone and estrogen levels are essential for implantation and early pregnancy support.

Common Signs of Hormone Imbalance

  • Short luteal phase
  • Spotting before the period
  • PMS or significant mood changes
  • Irregular or inconsistent cycles

Healthy, predictable hormonal patterns not only support early pregnancy but also improve egg quality over time.


  1. Uterine Lining Health

A strong, stable uterine lining is essential for implantation and the early nourishment of an embryo.

What Can Affect the Uterine Lining

The lining may be compromised by:

  • Infection
  • Chronic inflammation
  • Structural irregularities
  • Incomplete monthly shedding of the endometrium

Warning signs include brown spotting, pelvic discomfort, or light and irregular menstrual bleeding.

A healthy endometrium functions like a smooth, uniform surface—stable enough to support implantation and early embryo growth.


  1. Inflammation and Whole-Body Health

Systemic inflammation can directly impact fertility. Because the reproductive organs sit beneath the intestines, inflammation from the gut or immune system can easily influence the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.

Common Sources of Inflammation

  • Autoimmune conditions or unrecognized immune activation
  • Gut inflammation or intestinal permeability
  • Chronic viral or bacterial infections
  • Environmental allergies or food sensitivities

Addressing whole-body inflammation—through gut healing, immune support, targeted testing, and nutrition—helps restore the physiological environment needed for a successful pregnancy.

 


Key Takeaways

  • Miscarriage is rarely random; many causes are identifiable and treatable.
  • A comprehensive evaluation after one miscarriage can reduce risk and provide clarity.
  • Four core areas to assess include:
    • Egg and sperm quality
    • Hormone balance
    • Uterine lining health
    • Inflammation and immune function
  • Every menstrual cycle is an opportunity to strengthen reproductive health.
  • You deserve a provider who investigates deeply and prioritizes proactive care.

 


Next Steps

If you have experienced a miscarriage or are preparing for pregnancy and want to optimize your reproductive health, the Vera team offers comprehensive evaluation and individualized treatment plans designed to address root causes and support healthy conception.

📍 Located in Westminster, Colorado
🌐 Learn more or book a consultation: verafertility.com
📧 Connect with us on Instagram & TikTok: @verafertility
🎧 Listen to all episodes of The Hormone Café Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube

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