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TSH in pregnancy is a test that allows to detect hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism in pregnant women. TSH is a hormone that is responsible for the proper secretion of thyroid hormones, which affects the functioning of the future mother’s body, as well as the proper development of the baby in the abdomen. What are the norms of the TSH hormone? What do high and low TSH results show? When should I have a TSH test during pregnancy?
What is TSH?
TSH is a thyroid hormone whose full name is thyrotropin. TSH is a glycoprotein hormone produced by the pituitary gland. TSH acts on the thyroid gland, or the thyroid gland, by stimulating it to produce thyroxine and thiodothyronine, known as T4 and T3. The thyroid gland is a small gland that greatly affects the proper functioning of the body. TSH examination is usually performed when a malfunction of the thyroid gland is suspected, infertility, and also in newborns. Determining the level of TSH is recommended for women who have problems getting pregnant. In turn, during pregnancy, the TSH test is performed several times, because endocrine disorders can harm both the mother and the developing baby.
TSH in pregnancy – norms
In Poland, the norm for TSH in pregnancy is <2,5 mlU / l. When the result is above this norm, treatment is usually started and the frequency of TSH monitoring in pregnancy is intensified.
Importantly, the hCG hormone secreted during pregnancy mimics the action of TSH, which reduces the concentration of proteins that bind thyroid hormones. During pregnancy, iodine deficiency is also very common, which significantly affects the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. These circumstances make it very difficult to correctly interpret the results of a TSH test in pregnancy.
TSH in pregnancy – when to test?
TSH test during pregnancy is obligatory for pregnant women. The first TSH determination should take place during the first gynecological visit when pregnancy is diagnosed. The test is usually to diagnose hypothyroidism, which can seriously harm the development of the fetus. In pregnancy, the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism is much less frequent.
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Low TSH in pregnancy – hyperthyroidism
Lowered TSH during pregnancy may be a symptom of an overactive thyroid gland. A low score is usually associated with biochemical changes that occur during pregnancy. In this case, the hyperthyroidism disappears on its own right after the baby is born. If the low TSH is caused by a disturbance in the functioning of the thyroid gland, the doctor should suggest treatment. To be sure of a diagnosed hyperthyroidism, the doctor orders an ultrasound of the thyroid gland and the determination of TRAb antibodies. Hyperthyroidism is accompanied by symptoms such as increased heart rate, weight loss, weakness or hyperactivity. Most often, specific treatment of hyperthyroidism in pregnancy is not undertaken when there is no immediate threat to the health or life of the mother or child.
High TSH in pregnancy – hypothyroidism
Increased TSH in pregnancy is the most common signal of hypothyroidism. This disease is a threat to the child as it may cause serious complications and disturbances in the child’s further development. Treatment of hypothyroidism during pregnancy is based on the oral intake of thyroxine until the TSH level is normalized. Symptoms that accompany an underactive thyroid include weight gain, edema, dry skin, malaise and depression. In the case of hypothyroidism, women are at risk of premature detachment of the placenta and anemia.
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