[Hypothyroidism in pregnancy]

Because of its frequent occurrence during the reproductive period of a woman's life, hypothyroidism belongs to the most common endocrinopathies affecting women of childbearing age. The diagnosis of hypothyroidism in pregnant patients may be complicated by the fact that pregnancy has a considerable impact on thyroid homeostasis. Even overt hypothyroidism in these patients may be characterized by nonspecific signs or symptoms that are easily confused with complaints common to pregnancy itself. Unrecognised or untreated hypothyroidism during pregnancy is associated with adverse outcomes that can be ameliorated or prevented by adequate therapy with thyroxine. This article discusses the etiology, clinical manifestation, diagnosis, and management of hypothyroidism during pregnancy. We review the results of the current studies assessing the effect of the disease on pregnancy outcome or the offspring and provide the reader with recommendations concerning its diagnosis and treatment.