Thyroid Disorders and Pregnancy

Thyroid disorders and pregnancy are among the most common endocrine diseases in women of reproductive age. Studies show that subclinical hypothyroidism occurs in approximately 5 to 7 percent, overt hypothyroidism in about 2 to 4.5 percent, and hyperthyroidism in about 0.5 to 1 percent of women. The importance of this issue becomes greater when we realize that thyroid disorders and pregnancy are closely interconnected, and any irregularity in thyroid function can significantly affect the chances of pregnancy and fetal health.

Hypothyroidism can be easily diagnosed through a blood test. A mild increase in TSH accompanied by normal levels of T4 and T3 indicates subclinical hypothyroidism, whereas a marked elevation of TSH along with decreased thyroid hormone levels indicates overt hypothyroidism.

Thyroid dysfunction can have a direct effect on the hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian axis and, through indirect hormonal changes, disrupt ovulation. For this reason, evaluating thyroid disorders and pregnancy in women who are experiencing infertility is of great importance.

In hypothyroidism:

  • Increased prolactin levels
  • Disruption in the pulsatile secretion of gonadotropins
  • Ovulatory dysfunction
  • Luteal phase insufficiency and decreased progesterone production are observed.

These changes can lead to reduced chances of pregnancy or an increased risk of miscarriage, indicating the important role of thyroid disorders and pregnancy in reproductive success. (Table 1)

Thyroid Autoimmunity (TAI) and Fertility

Thyroid Autoimmunity (TAI) is the most common autoimmune disease in women of reproductive age, and its prevalence varies among different ethnic groups, but is generally around 10%. In these patients, thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb) increase, which can lead to elevated TSH levels.

TAI is considered one of the main causes of subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH).

Thyroid autoimmunity is more common in subgroups of women with the following conditions:

  • Idiopathic infertility
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
  • Decreased ovarian reserve (DOR)
  • Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI)

The mechanisms linking TAI with infertility are not yet fully understood, but various theories have been proposed in this regard:

  • TAI increases the risk of developing hypothyroidism, especially during pregnancy, and thyroid hormone–dependent effects may impair fertility.
  • Initiation of levothyroxine treatment before pregnancy in euthyroid women with TAI who are infertile has shown no benefit.
  • It may reflect a generalized immune system disorder that can affect embryo implantation.

Recent studies have shown that the endometrium and placenta express thyroid peroxidase (TPO) at the gene and protein levels, which may explain why infertility and miscarriage are more common in patients with TAI.

These findings further emphasize the importance of evaluating thyroid disorders and pregnancy in infertile patients.

Direct and Indirect Effects of Hypothyroidism on the Reproductive System

اختلالات تیروئید و بارداری

Direct effects:

Thyroid hormone receptors are present throughout the reproductive system and play an important role in regulating ovarian function.

Indirect effects:

Through hormonal changes and hypothyroidism: prolactin and gonadotropin-releasing hormone levels increase.

Pulsatile secretion of gonadotropins

This can lead to ovulatory dysfunction and corpus luteum insufficiency, resulting in reduced progesterone production.

Serum testosterone and estrogen levels in hypothyroidism lead to increased peripheral aromatase activity, increased metabolic clearance, and increased sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG), and these changes result in elevated testosterone and estrogen levels.

What is the effect of ovarian stimulation on thyroid function?

During assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures, the ovaries are stimulated in order to retrieve an optimal number of oocytes. Ovarian stimulation causes a rapid and abnormal rise in serum estrogen. Increased estrogen leads to increased levels of thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG) and ultimately a reduction in free thyroid hormone levels. After ovarian stimulation, patients with TAI are more likely than patients without TAI to experience increased TSH levels and decreased FT4 levels. This is due to reduced thyroid reserve function in TAI.

After ovarian stimulation, patients with TAI are more prone than those without this disorder to elevated TSH and decreased FT4, because thyroid reserve capacity is reduced in these patients. In infertility treatments, careful monitoring of thyroid function is essential for the proper management of thyroid disorders and pregnancy.

In general: thyroid disorders and pregnancy have a complex and multifaceted relationship. Hypothyroidism, thyroid autoimmunity, and associated hormonal changes can lead to miscarriage, implantation failure, or infertility, and during pregnancy the body’s requirement for thyroid hormones increases.

Screening and precise regulation of thyroid function before pregnancy and during infertility treatments play an important role in increasing the likelihood of a successful pregnancy and maintaining maternal and fetal health.

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