Endocrinological and endometrial factors in recurrent miscarriage

To investigate the endocrinological and endometrial factors in women with unexplained recurrent miscarriage

Prospective, case study

Recurrent miscarriage clinic, Jessop Hospital for Women, Sheffield

One hundred and forty-four women with unexplained recurrent (> or =3) miscarriages

A blood sample was obtained in early follicular phase (day 3-5) to measure follicle stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone, prolactin, androgens and thyroid function; daily blood/urine samples were obtained from mid-follicular phase to measure luteinising hormone until the luteinising hormone surge was identified; endometrial biopsy and a further blood sample for progesterone measurement were obtained in the mid-luteal phase. A transvaginal ultrasonography was performed to evaluate ovarian morphology.

Hypersecretion of luteinising hormone or ultrasonographic features of polycystic ovarian disease was present in 8% and 7.8% of women, respectively. The free androgen index was elevated in 14.6% of subjects. In the mid-luteal phase, low progesterone level was found in 17.4% and delayed endometrial development was noted in 27.1% of women. Although women with recurrent miscarriage women and delayed endometrium had significantly lower progesterone levels than those with normal endometrial development, only 8/24 had mid-luteal progesterone levels below 30 nmol/L. Recurrent miscarriage was not associated with hyperprolactinaemia or abnormal thyroid function test.

Endocrinological and endometrial abnormalities are present in about a quarter of women with unexplained recurrent miscarriage.