During pregnancy, the size of the thyroid gland, as well as the production of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), experience substantial growth. Such physiological changes are necessary for healthy pregnancy and fetal development. Thus, presence of thyroid disorders or thyroid antibodies in pregnant women can exert maternal and fetal complications as effects on the maternal thyroid grand cross the placenta. In fact, after the 14th gestational week, fetal brain development may be irreversibly affected by lack of thyroid hormones.
Research points towards the use of trimester-specific reference intervals for TSH in pregnancy. Successfully monitoring TSH levels is of peak importance as subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) has been linked to complications in pregnancy such as preterm birth or miscarriage. Furthermore, levothyroxine therapy in pregnant women, while currently the standard treatment for non-pregnant patients with hypothyroidism, remains contentious and avoidance of such therapy in subclinical cases is advised.
It is generally accepted that women of reproductive-age diagnosed with Graves’ disease should be informed on treatment options and the possible impacts on a potential pregnancy. Presence of thyroid antibodies in reproductive-age women also poses a significant risk of developing hypothyroidism during pregnancy.
This research topic will act as a repository for articles concerning thyroid dysfunction in pregnancy or reproductive-age women. Manuscripts of original research or reviews should explore, but are not limited to, novel findings or updates on the following:
- Hypothyroidism screening approaches for pregnant women;
- Risks/benefits/outcomes of levothyroxine treatment during or before pregnancy;
- Novel understandings of thyroid dysfunction outcomes in pregnancy;
- Trimester-specific approaches to TSH levels or other monitoring;
- Effectiveness of supplementation of iodine etc.;
- Teratogenic effects of treatment options for reproductive-age women.
During pregnancy, the size of the thyroid gland, as well as the production of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), experience substantial growth. Such physiological changes are necessary for healthy pregnancy and fetal development. Thus, presence of thyroid disorders or thyroid antibodies in pregnant women can exert maternal and fetal complications as effects on the maternal thyroid grand cross the placenta. In fact, after the 14th gestational week, fetal brain development may be irreversibly affected by lack of thyroid hormones.
Research points towards the use of trimester-specific reference intervals for TSH in pregnancy. Successfully monitoring TSH levels is of peak importance as subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) has been linked to complications in pregnancy such as preterm birth or miscarriage. Furthermore, levothyroxine therapy in pregnant women, while currently the standard treatment for non-pregnant patients with hypothyroidism, remains contentious and avoidance of such therapy in subclinical cases is advised.
It is generally accepted that women of reproductive-age diagnosed with Graves’ disease should be informed on treatment options and the possible impacts on a potential pregnancy. Presence of thyroid antibodies in reproductive-age women also poses a significant risk of developing hypothyroidism during pregnancy.
This research topic will act as a repository for articles concerning thyroid dysfunction in pregnancy or reproductive-age women. Manuscripts of original research or reviews should explore, but are not limited to, novel findings or updates on the following:
- Hypothyroidism screening approaches for pregnant women;
- Risks/benefits/outcomes of levothyroxine treatment during or before pregnancy;
- Novel understandings of thyroid dysfunction outcomes in pregnancy;
- Trimester-specific approaches to TSH levels or other monitoring;
- Effectiveness of supplementation of iodine etc.;
- Teratogenic effects of treatment options for reproductive-age women.
