Thyroid disease is present in 2-5 percent of all women
and 1-2 percent of women in the reproductive age
group. Thyroid disorders are the second most common
endocrinological disorders found in pregnancy. Overt
hypothyroidism is estimated to occur in 0.3-0.5% of
pregnancies. Subclinical hypothyroidism appears to
occur in 2-3%, and hyperthyroidism is present in 0.1-
0.4%. Autoimmune thyroid dysfunctions remain a common
cause of both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism in
pregnant women. Graves’ disease accounts for more
than 85% of all cases of hyperthyroidism, whereas
Hashimoto thyroiditis is the most common cause of
hypothyroidism. Postpartum thyroiditis (PPT) reportedly
affects 4-10% of women is again an autoimmune
disease.

2011 Copyright PJR