Hypothyroidism
What is hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is a condition marked by an underactive thyroid gland and may occur during pregnancy. Unfortunately, many symptoms of hypothyroidism are masked by symptoms of pregnancy, such as fatigue, weight gain, and abnormal menstruation and, as a result, the disease is left undetected and untreated. In addition, the risk for developing hypothyroidism increases with age, which is significant because more and more women are delaying pregnancy until they are older.What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is a common condition, which can go undetected if symptoms are mild. Hypothyroidism means the thyroid is underactive, producing insufficient amounts of thyroid hormones. Symptoms of hypothyroidism are usually very subtle and gradual. The following are the most common symptoms of hypothyroidism. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:- dull facial expressions
- hoarse voice
- slow speech
- droopy eyelids
- puffy and swollen face
- weight gain
- constipation
- sparse, course and dry hair
- course, dry, and thickened skin
- carpal tunnel syndrome (hand tingling or pain)
- slow pulse
- muscle cramps
- orange-colored soles and palms
- sides of eyebrows thin or fall out
- confusion
- increased menstrual flow in women
How does hypothyroidism affect the fetus?
Untreated hypothyroidism may increase pregnancy loss. Some studies have shown a higher rate of stillbirth and miscarriage. There seems to be an increased risk of preeclampsia in pregnancies complicated by hypothyroidism.During the first few months of pregnancy, the fetus relies on the mother for thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones play an essential part in normal brain development. Deprivation of the maternal thyroid hormones due to hypothyroidism can have effects on the fetus. Early studies found that children born to mothers with hypothyroidism during pregnancy had lowered IQ results and impaired psychomotor development. However, recent studies have found that pregnancies with hypothyroidism can have healthy outcomes with treatment.
Thyroid screening and pregnancy:
The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and The Endocrine Society both support thyroid function screenings for all pregnant women. However, since the benefits of routine screening are unproven, and since most women have normal thyroid function, routine screening during pregnancy has not been endorsed by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Instead, screening of patients with risk factors for thyroid dysfunction such as those with symptoms, family history, older age, or other endocrine problems is advocated. Detection of thyroid abnormalities in early pregnancy may prevent the harmful effects of maternal hypothyroidism on the fetus.Ideally, a woman should be tested for a thyroid disorder before becoming pregnant. If a woman is tested before pregnancy, she is more likely to have thyroid hormone levels in balance throughout her pregnancy.
How is the thyroid function screened?
Screening for hypothyroidism involves a blood test that measures thyroid hormone (thyroxine, or T4) and serum TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) levels. Hypothyroidism is often suspected when TSH levels are above normal and T4 levels are below normal. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.Who should undergo thyroid function screening?
Although the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists advises that all pregnant women be screened for thyroid problems, they recommend, specifically, the following:- Whether to screen for thyroid disease or not should be a decision made by the physician and the pregnant woman.
- A woman considering becoming pregnant should have her thyroid checked in advance.
- All pregnant women with a family history, or symptoms, of a thyroid disease should be tested.
How is hypothyroidism treated during pregnancy?
Once hypothyroidism is diagnosed, thyroid hormone replacement therapy may be used to treat the mother. Dosage of thyroid hormone replacement therapy is based on the individual's levels of thyroid hormones. The treatment is safe and essential to both mother and fetus. When the fetus is born, routine newborn screening includes a test of thyroid hormone levels.The information on this Web page is provided for educational purposes. You understand and agree that this information is not intended to be, and should not be used as, a substitute for medical treatment by a health care professional. You agree that Lucile Salter Packard Children's Hospital is not making a diagnosis of your condition or a recommendation about the course of treatment for your particular circumstances through the use of this Web page. You agree to be solely responsible for your use of this Web page and the information contained on this page. Lucile Salter Packard Children's Hospital, its officers, directors, employees, agents, and information providers shall not be liable for any damages you may suffer or cause through your use of this page even if advised of the possibility of such damages.