The Standard Advice After Miscarriage
If you’ve ever been through a miscarriage, you’ve probably heard the most common advice doctors give: “It happens. Just try again.”
While well-intentioned, this guidance can feel dismissive. It suggests that miscarriage is random, that your body failed, or that nothing can be done to prevent another loss. For many women, especially those over 35, this wait-and-see approach feels not only disempowering—but risky.
Here’s the truth: miscarriage isn’t always “bad luck.” Often, there are root causes that go untested, unaddressed, and overlooked. Most of my clients say that they were never even offered testing and at best were only offered testing of their baby.
Why “Try Again” Isn’t Always the Best Next Step
Most conventional doctors don’t begin deeper miscarriage testing until a woman experiences two or three consecutive losses. By then, the emotional and physical toll is overwhelming and often women just give up at this point.
Waiting for more miscarriages to justify testing isn’t just outdated—it can rob women of valuable time and hope. Instead, a proactive, root cause miscarriage approach asks: “Why did this happen, and how can we prevent it from happening again?”
The Root Cause Approach to Miscarriage
Root cause doesn’t mean pointing blame—it means uncovering the underlying factors that could disrupt fertility, implantation, or early pregnancy.
Here are some of the most common—and preventable—miscarriage causes uncovered through testing:
1. Hormone & Thyroid Imbalances
- Low progesterone levels (needed to sustain pregnancy)
- Suboptimal thyroid function (even with “normal” labs)
- Elevated thyroid antibodies (autoimmune Hashimoto’s)
2. Inflammation & Immune Dysfunction
- High natural killer (NK) cell activity
- Chronic systemic inflammation (hs-CRP, homocysteine)
- Undiagnosed autoimmune conditions like lupus
3. Blood Clotting Disorders
- Factor V Leiden or Prothrombin gene mutations
- Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)
- MTHFR gene variants affecting folate and homocysteine
4. Nutrient Deficiencies & Environmental Factors
- Low vitamin D, iron, folate, or B12
- Toxin exposure (mold, heavy metals, endocrine disruptors)
- Gut health issues affecting nutrient absorption
Miscarriage Testing to Consider Before Trying Again
Instead of waiting for another loss, advocate for deeper testing now. Some key labs include:
- Comprehensive thyroid panel (TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, antibodies)
- Progesterone monitoring across the luteal phase
- Clotting panels (Factor V Leiden, Prothrombin, antiphospholipid antibodies)
- Nutrient and inflammation markers (Vitamin D, ferritin, homocysteine, hs-CRP)
- Autoimmune screens (ANA, lupus anticoagulant)
These tests can reveal answers—and in many cases, solutions—that standard care overlooks. If your insurance doesn't cover these tests. I've found a way to help you save some money by partnering with Ulta Labs. Use code Erica15 for 15% off any lab service. It's super easy to order your own labs online and have your test drawn at any LabCorp or Quest Diagnostics draw site.
Shifting from Passive to Proactive
The difference between the conventional “try again” approach and a root cause miscarriage approach is empowerment.
Instead of waiting and hoping, you can:
- Identify risk factors before conceiving again
- Address imbalances through nutrition, lifestyle, or medication
- Partner with providers who understand miscarriage prevention
- Reduce the risk of repeat loss and increase your chance of success
Why This Matters for Women Over 35
Age is often blamed for miscarriage, but it’s not the only factor. Many women over 35 go on to have healthy pregnancies once underlying root causes are addressed. By running miscarriage prevention tests now, you protect both your next pregnancy and your peace of mind.
The Bottom Line
When your doctor says “just try again,” it’s not the whole story. Miscarriage doesn’t always mean your body is broken or that you’re out of time. It often means that something deeper needs attention—and the sooner you uncover it, the better your chances of carrying a healthy pregnancy.
Root cause testing gives you answers, direction, and hope. Because your future family deserves more than chance—it deserves clarity and care.
0 Comments