Can pregnancy cause hypothyroidism?

Pregnancy will cause changes in a woman's body, especially a bigger belly and more inconvenient behavior. Pregnant women need to pay attention to their emotions and diet, but will pregnancy cause hypothyroidism? Strictly speaking, hypothyroidism is not caused by pregnancy, but the body's endocrine system changes after pregnancy, which may also cause hypothyroidism. However, there is no need to worry when hypothyroidism occurs, just actively cooperate with the doctor's treatment.

Can pregnancy cause hypothyroidism?

Consider that it may be related to the following factors!

First, congenital genetic problems. Many patients with hypothyroidism during pregnancy may have congenital genetic abnormalities. Therefore, hypothyroidism will manifest due to the effects of various hormones during pregnancy. In addition, if there is a direct relative with hypothyroidism in the family, the probability of suffering from hypothyroidism during pregnancy is relatively high.

Second, iodine deficiency causes hypothyroidism during pregnancy. The incidence of hypothyroidism during pregnancy is high in iodine-deficient areas. Iodine is an important substance for the synthesis of thyroid hormones. When iodine is deficient, the patient's thyroid function will be abnormal. Both the mother and the fetus need iodine. Once iodine is deficient, the fetus may also be affected. Therefore, the median urine iodine level should be tested. For iodine-deficient hypothyroidism, iodine supplementation should be performed.

Third, hypothyroidism caused by autoimmune thyroiditis. Autoimmune thyroid disease is also very common in clinical practice. Studies have found that it is closely related to hypothyroidism during pregnancy. Therefore, patients with autoimmune thyroiditis before pregnancy are prone to complications of autoimmune thyroiditis with hypothyroidism during pregnancy, and even have relevant effects on the intellectual development of the fetus.

Is it better for pregnant women to have hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism in late pregnancy?

The harm of hyperthyroidism to pregnant women. Hyperthyroidism during pregnancy can cause great harm to pregnant women and fetuses. If hyperthyroidism is not well controlled, it can cause miscarriage, hyperthyroid crisis, heart failure, preeclampsia, placental abruption, and can also cause intrauterine growth retardation of the fetus, low fetal weight, premature babies, stillbirth, congenital malformations, etc. Not only that, the mother's TSH receptor stimulating antibodies (TSAb) can also pass through the placenta into the fetus, stimulating the fetal thyroid gland and causing fetal or neonatal hyperthyroidism.

There are many dangers of hypothyroidism.

First, it causes damage to the endocrine system. For male patients, impotence and premature ejaculation may occur. For female patients, menstrual irregularities and even amenorrhea may occur. There may also be abnormal adrenal cortex function, for example, low blood and urine cortisol levels!

Second, it will bring cardiovascular risks, such as slower heart rate, weakened heart sounds, pericardial effusion, heart enlargement, and in severe cases, fiber swelling, etc.!

Third, digestive system diseases may occur, such as loss of appetite, constipation or diarrhea, stomach acid, bloating, abdominal distension, and in severe cases, paralytic intestinal obstruction, etc.

Therefore, in general, hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism bring many harms. If not treated in time, it may lead to life-threatening and reduced quality of life. In the end, it will be too late to regret!