It is a hormone released by your thyroid gland, which is located in the lower part of the neck. It travels to every part of your body and has important functions which include but not limited to: cognitive function, heart rate, blood pressure, gut motility, and muscle strength.
Yes, all women need to have testing done during the pre-conception period. If a woman is already pregnant then it needs to be tested as soon as possible. Any abnormality requires immediate consultation with an endocrinologist.
The baby can have long term side effects such as hearing loss, intellectual disability, and decreased muscle strength.
The mother can experience symptoms of high thyroid hormone levels (abnormal heart rhythm, elevated heart rate, insomnia, diarrhea) or low thyroid hormone levels (shortness of breath, low heart rate, hypersomnolence, constipation). Complications related to pregnancy include but not limited to placental abruption, preterm delivery, and postpartum hemorrhage.
Low thyroid hormone levels are treated with levothyroxine, a synthetic analogue of the thyroid hormone, which is safe for the mother and baby. High thyroid hormone levels are treated with propylthiouracil in the first trimester and methimazole in the last two trimesters. Thyroid hormone levels are monitored every four to twelve weeks to ensure the levels are appropriate for the mother and baby.
Please call The Endocrine Center and we’ll be happy to schedule you an appointment with a board certified Endocrinologist.
