Overview of thyroid disorders in pregnancy

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Obstetrics
• Reproductive Medicine

Background:

• Thyroid disorders are common endocrine issues in pregnancy, often mimicking normal pregnancy symptoms.
• Thyroid hormones are vital for fetal neurodevelopment and growth.
• Physiological changes during pregnancy alter thyroid function, requiring specific diagnostic criteria.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review physiological thyroid changes during pregnancy.
• To outline current diagnostic and management guidelines for thyroid disorders in pregnant women.
• To highlight the impact of thyroid dysfunction on maternal and fetal outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of physiological changes, epidemiology, and management guidelines.
• Analysis of diagnostic criteria and trimester-specific reference ranges.
• Examination of treatment strategies for hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.

Main Results:

• Pregnancy causes thyroid gland enlargement and hormone level alterations (hCG, estrogen).
• Hyperthyroidism (Graves', gestational thyrotoxicosis) risks include preeclampsia and fetal issues.
• Hypothyroidism risks include miscarriage, preterm birth, and impaired fetal neurodevelopment.

Conclusions:

• Tailored, evidence-based management of thyroid disorders is essential during pregnancy.
• Trimester-specific reference ranges are necessary for accurate thyroid function testing.
• Further research is needed on levothyroxine for subclinical hypothyroidism in pregnancy.