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Aug 11, 2023 · Thyroid function tests change during pregnancy due to the influence of two main hormones: human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), the hormone that is measured in the pregnancy test and estrogen, the main female hormone.
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- Thyroid Disease and Pregnancy
May 23, 2023 · Hyperthyroidism is an uncommon condition that complicates approximately 0.1% to 0.4% of pregnancies. The condition is marked by increased levels of circulating thyroid hormones, T4 and T3, as well as a decreased level of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), also known as thyrotropin.
- Kevin Sorah, Thomas L. Alderson
- 2023/05/23
- McLaren Macomb, Michigan State University
- Overview
- What does it mean to have hyperthyroidism during pregnancy?
- What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism in pregnancy?
- What causes hyperthyroidism in pregnancy?
- Who‘s at risk for hyperthyroidism in pregnancy?
- What are the complications of hyperthyroidism in pregnancy?
- What is the treatment for hyperthyroidism in pregnancy?
- What‘s the outlook for people with hyperthyroidism in pregnancy?
- How is hyperthyroidism in pregnancy diagnosed?
- Can you prevent hyperthyroidism in pregnancy?
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In pregnancy, hyperthyroidism is most often the result of Graves’ disease. If untreated, hyperthyroidism may cause serious complications like early labor and stillbirth.
Hyperthyroidism in pregnancy is rare, affecting around 1–4 out of every 1,000 people during pregnancy. Early and accurate diagnosis and treatment are especially important for individuals with hyperthyroidism while pregnant to help avoid serious complications like premature delivery, maternal hypertension, and others.
Here’s what you need to know about having hyperthyroidism during pregnancy.
Learn more about hyperthyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism means that your thyroid is producing too much thyroid hormone. Excess thyroid hormone can speed up your body’s processes and stress your body.
In a pregnancy, the fetus relies on hormones produced by the mother’s thyroid for the first 18–20 weeks. Appropriate levels of thyroid hormones from the mother are crucial in developing the baby’s nervous system and brain. In later stages of pregnancy, excess thyroid hormones from the mother can lead to fetal hyperthyroidism and other complications.
Signs of hyperthyroidism in pregnancy can include:
•an irregular or fast heartbeat
•shaky hands
•fatigue
•anxiety and insomnia
•unable to gain the expected weight or weight loss
Hyperthyroidism in pregnancy is most often the result of an autoimmune disease called Graves’ disease. Antibodies cause your thyroid to make additional thyroid hormones in individuals with Graves’ disease.
In rarer cases, extreme morning sickness (hyperemesis gravidarum) or thyroid nodules may be due to hyperthyroidism in pregnancy.
Individuals may be at a higher risk for hyperthyroidism during pregnancy if they have:
•a prior thyroid condition they are receiving treatment for
•previously had a thyroid condition during pregnancy
•birthed a baby with a thyroid condition
•an autoimmune disorder
•type 1 diabetes
Potential complications of untreated hyperthyroidism during pregnancy for the mother include:
•preeclampsia
•hypertension
•placental abruption
•heart failure
•thyroid storm
Doctors prescribe antithyroid medications like propylthiouracil and methimazole to treat hyperthyroidism in pregnancy.
In rare cases where an individual is allergic to medications or goiters are present, surgery may be necessary, but in most cases, surgery is not preferred.
Hyperthyroidismin pregnancy is considered a high risk situation. It’s important to monitor individuals with hyperthyroidism and their babies throughout the pregnancy and postpartum period.
Unmanaged hyperthyroidism can cause significant harm to mother and baby, so individuals with risk factors or who develop symptoms should be tested and begin treatment as quickly as possible.
If you have symptoms of hyperthyroidism, your doctor may perform a physical exam and run blood tests to determine the amount of thyroid hormones and thyroid-stimulating hormone.
To encourage good thyroid health during pregnancy, you’ll need to consume extra iodine. You should talk with your doctor to ensure that your diet and supplements offer the correct amount of iodine to support you and your growing little one.
Many of the genetic diseases and autoimmune disorders that lead to hyperthyroidism in pregnancy can’t be prevented. However, getting treatment for known conditions and making healthy lifestyle choices can help your overall health, including your thyroid.
Learn about hyperthyroidism in pregnancy, a condition that affects around 1–4 out of every 1,000 people. Find out the causes, complications, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of this thyroid disorder.
- Catherine Crider
Learn about hyperthyroidism in pregnancy, a condition caused by Graves’ disease or other factors that make the thyroid overactive. Find out how hyperthyroidism can affect you and your baby, and how to treat it.
Oct 21, 2022 · The diagnosis of pregnant women with hyperthyroidism parallels that of nonpregnant individuals but presents some unique problems. The clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and causes of hyperthyroidism during pregnancy are presented here.
Apr 12, 2019 · Hyperthyroidism during pregnancy is uncommon. Nonetheless, prompt identification and adequate management of hyperthyroidism in a pregnant woman is essential, because uncontrolled thyrotoxicosis significantly increases the risk of maternal and fetal complications.
HYPERTHYROIDISM DURING PREGNANCY? Overall, the most common cause of hyperthyroidism in women of childbearing age is Graves’ disease (see Graves’ Disease brochure), which occurs in 0.2% of pregnant patients. In addition to other usual causes of hyperthyroidism (see Hyperthyroidism brochure), very high levels of hCG,
