MANAGEMENT OF THYROID DISORDERS IN PREGNANCY

Abstract

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%.1 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.