Hypothyroidism and its implications in the gestational period: a literature review

Abstract

Hypothyroidism during pregnancy is a serious health concern, increasing the risk of complications such as miscarriage and neurointellectual disability in offspring. Careful regulation of thyroid hormones is crucial for optimal fetal development. This article is an integrative review that seeks to clarify thyroid disorders in pregnancy and their treatment options. 175 articles from the PubMed database were analyzed, limited to human studies published in English between 2018 and 2023. Eleven articles were selected for analysis. Fetal consumption of maternal thyroid hormone and physiological changes during pregnancy demand an increase in maternal secretion of this hormone. Iodine deficiency can cause thyroid dysfunction, resulting in serious complications in pregnancy and child development. Diagnosing hypothyroidism is challenging, especially in pregnant women. Serum TSH is used as an initial test, and levothyroxine therapy is recommended to prevent complications. Hypothyroidism in pregnancy requires careful regulation of thyroid hormones. Diagnostic complexity highlights the need to consider physiological and ethnic variations. Treatment recommendations vary between organizations, highlighting the need for consensus. Close monitoring and adjustments in therapy are essential, but challenges remain, highlighting the need for more research into treatment limits and the potential benefit of combination therapy to improve long- term quality of life.

Keywords: Pregnancy, Hypothyroidism, Thyroid Gland Disease.