Toggle Location Modal

Hyperthyroidism in Pregnancy - Symptoms, Effects & Treatment

WhatsApp
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Arti Sharma
Written by Nikita Tyagi, last updated on 9 March 2023| min read
Hyperthyroidism in Pregnancy - Symptoms, Effects & Treatment

Quick Summary

  • Hyperthyroidism is a condition where a woman's thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone during pregnancy.
  • Hyperthyroidism during pregnancy can cause severe symptoms such as weight loss and increased heart rate.
  • If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and preeclampsia.

A woman’s body undergoes multiple changes during pregnancy. One such effect is witnessed in the functioning of the thyroid gland, leading to many complications due to hyperthyroidism. It is a condition where a woman’s thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone during pregnancy. Hyperthyroidism in pregnancy can have significant effects on both the mother and the developing foetus.

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck that generates hormones that regulate the body's metabolism. Hyperthyroidism during pregnancy can cause severe symptoms such as weight loss and increased heart rate. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and preeclampsia. 

About Hyperthyroidism in Pregnancy

When one’s thyroid gland produces excessive thyroid hormone, leading to an overactive metabolism, it is known as hyperthyroidism. While hyperthyroidism can occur in anyone, it is a particular concern during pregnancy and can lead to serious health complications for both the mother and the baby.

During pregnancy, women typically produce double the amount of thyroid hormones compared to before they were pregnant. These hormones, called triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), are crucial for both the mother's body and the development of the foetus. However, producing too much thyroid hormone during pregnancy can be a concern because it may affect the baby's development and increase the risk of preterm birth.

get the appget the app

Hyperthyroidism in Pregnancy Causes

When it comes to hyperthyroidism in pregnancy, there can be several reasons that can lead to this condition. It is essential to identify the right cause of hyperthyroidism for doctors to ensure the right course of action for the treatment. Some of the most common causes of hyperthyroidism in pregnant women include:

  1. Graves’ disease: Hyperthyroidism during pregnancy can be caused by several factors. One of the most common causes is Graves' disease, an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, causing it to produce an excessive amount of thyroid hormone.
  2. Thyroid nodule: Another possible cause of hyperthyroidism in pregnancy is a thyroid nodule or goitre. These non-cancerous growths in the thyroid gland can produce excess thyroid hormone. 
  3. Gestational transient thyrotoxicosis: Hyperthyroidism during pregnancy can be caused by gestational transient thyrotoxicosis. In this condition, the woman’s body produces increased human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone, leading to hyperthyroidism. This temporary condition occurs during the first trimester of pregnancy, and it usually resolves on its own without treatment. 
  4. Specific Medications: In some cases, hyperthyroidism in pregnancy can be caused by medications that the mother is taking. For example, some women who take thyroid hormone replacement therapy for hypothyroidism may accidentally take too much of the medication, leading to hyperthyroidism.
  5. Excess intake of iodine: Consuming high amounts of iodine can put one at a greater risk of hyperthyroidism during pregnancy. This can arise from medications or diet, resulting in an excess thyroid hormone being produced by the glands. 

These are some of the most highlighted causes of hyperthyroidism in pregnancy. It is crucial for pregnant women to get dedicated consultations and understand the cause of the condition. This helps in getting timely treatment and preventing the chances of severe complications. 

Hyperthyroidism in Pregnancy Symptoms

While most hyperthyroidism in pregnancy symptoms are similar to the normal conditions in pregnancy. Thus, it can sometimes be difficult to identify them right away. However, prolonged symptoms or an extreme impact on health due to these issues must be brought to your doctor’s attention. The following are the most common symptoms of hyperthyroidism in pregnancy:

  1. Mood swings and tiredness
  2. Shaky hands with weak muscles
  3. Irregular heartbeat
  4. High blood pressure
  5. Diarrhoea
  6. Significant weight loss
  7. Increased nervousness and trouble sleeping

Hyperthyroidism is directly associated with an active metabolism, and thus, watching one’s weight changes is crucial. Women who do not gain any weight during pregnancy can also indicate the condition of hyperthyroidism.

Diagnosis For Hyperthyroidism in Pregnancy

The diagnosis of hyperthyroidism in pregnancy involves a combination of physical examination, blood tests, and thyroid function tests. The doctor will first evaluate the woman's symptoms and medical history to determine if hyperthyroidism is likely. 

  1. Blood tests will then be conducted to measure levels of thyroid hormones and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in the blood. A radioactive iodine uptake test may also be used to evaluate thyroid function. 
  2. If hyperthyroidism is confirmed, the doctor will work with the patient to develop a treatment plan to manage the condition and minimise the risk of complications for both the mother and baby. 

Hyperthyroidism Treatment in Pregnancy

There are multiple treatments to bring down the steep increase in the thyroid hormone of women during pregnancy. The hyperthyroidism treatment in pregnancy depends on the condition's severity and the pregnancy's trimester. The two primary treatment options are medication and surgery. 

However, the course of treatment one opts for must be carefully administered to not cause any complications during childbirth. Below are the most sought-after treatments for hyperthyroidism in pregnancy:

Anti-Thyroid Drugs (ATDs)

  1. Medication is usually the first-line treatment for hyperthyroidism in pregnancy, as it is the least invasive option. The most commonly prescribed medications for hyperthyroidism are antithyroid drugs (ATDs), such as propylthiouracil (PTU) and methimazole (MMI). These medications block the production of thyroid hormones in the thyroid gland.
  2. It is essential to note that some of these drugs can interfere with the placenta. Thus, most doctors prescribe only a small amount of these medications. For this reason, ATDs during pregnancy are also usually reserved for cases of severe hyperthyroidism.

Surgery

  1. Surgery is another option for treating hyperthyroidism in pregnancy, particularly when medication is ineffective or contraindicated. The most common surgical procedure for hyperthyroidism is a thyroidectomy, which involves the removal of part or all of the thyroid gland.
  2. This procedure is generally safe for the mother and the baby, but one must speak to the doctor in detail before opting for the treatment.

Dietary Changes

  1. A woman’s diet during pregnancy is yet another aspect that can help improve the condition of hyperthyroidism. Consuming cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower and broccoli can help women experiencing high amounts of thyroid hormone production. They can reduce the release of the hormone and improve the condition. 
  2. It is also important to avoid eating foods that are rich in iodine. Since the mineral tends to increase the thyroid glands’ activity, avoiding them can decrease the chances of further complications. 
  3. The time taken to cure the condition of hyperthyroidism in a pregnant woman is largely dependent on the underlying cause of the issue and the treatment chosen. In most cases, women can see improvement in their condition within a few weeks after starting the medications. 

Preventions for Hyperthyroidism in Pregnancy

Hyperthyroidism in pregnancy cannot be completely prevented, but some steps can help reduce the risk and severity of the condition. 

  1. Pregnant women should maintain a healthy diet and take prenatal vitamins recommended by their doctor. 
  2. Maintaining a healthy weight and consuming adequate iodine.
  3. Women with a family history of thyroid disorders or other risk factors should inform their doctor to monitor their thyroid function closely during pregnancy. 
  4. Avoiding smoking and excessive caffeine intake is also advisable. 
  5. Managing stress.

When to Consult a Doctor?

It's important to consult a doctor if you experience symptoms of hyperthyroidism during pregnancy such as rapid heartbeat, weight loss, anxiety, or difficulty sleeping.

Additionally, if you have a history of thyroid problems or are taking medication for thyroid disorders, you should discuss this with your doctor and have regular thyroid hormone level checks during pregnancy. Prompt treatment and monitoring can help reduce the risk of complications for both the mother and baby.

Takeaway

Hyperthyroidism in pregnancy is a serious condition that can significantly impact the health of both mother and baby. It is crucial to contain the excess thyroid hormone production, especially during pregnancy, to ensure safe childbirth. It is also important to understand the various causes of hyperthyroidism in pregnancy, based on which you can opt for the best course of treatment. Some preventive actions like maintaining a balanced diet can help improve the condition. 

You must consult with your doctor to know the exact underlying cause of the condition and the best path forward. We at HexaHealth can help you with our expert medical assessments. Our experienced professionals diagnose your condition, carry out necessary tests and then determine the most appropriate treatment for you. 

Reach out to us today and book your consultation! 

Frequently Asked Questions

Hyperthyroidism in pregnancy is not a very common condition among women. The condition severely impacts over 0.1% to 0.4% of pregnancies, where the thyroid hormone in women increases drastically. 

One of the most sought-after treatments for hyperthyroidism is the administration of antithyroid drugs (ATDs). As these drugs can cross the placenta in some cases, opting for surgery to remove the thyroid gland may also be effective. 

The most common symptoms of hyperthyroidism in pregnancy include sudden weight loss, shaky hands and high blood pressure. Some women may also experience irregular or fast-paced heartbeat.

Pregnant women tend to produce more thyroid hormones than usual. This can sometimes become significantly more than the need of the body and lead to active metabolism or hyperthyroidism. If left untreated, the condition can result in preterm birth or complicated childbirth. In some cases, it may also impact the child’s health. 

You can naturally improve your hyperthyroidism during pregnancy by focusing on having the correct diet and exercising on a daily basis. Including vegetables like cauliflower and cabbage can slow down the production of the thyroid gland to some extent. You must also avoid Iodine-rich food that can cause an increase in thyroid hormone production.

Early labour and reduced baby weight can be the most common effects of hyperthyroidism in pregnancy. In severe cases, the condition can also be life-threatening for the mother. 

Yes, you can develop hyperthyroidism for the first time during pregnancy. This is likely due to the steep increase in the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone during the first trimester. However, the condition tends to resolve itself by the second trimester. 

Hyperthyroidism in pregnancy can cause certain impacts on the baby as well. This includes reduced weight or early childbirth. The condition can also result in the overall poor health of the baby.

Yes, in some cases, pregnancy can lead to hyperthyroidism. This is primarily because of the higher hCG levels during the initial months. This results in more production of the thyroid hormone but often gets resolved with time. 

Hyperthyroidism in pregnancy is caused by many factors but the most common condition is Graves’ disease. Others may include high levels of hCG, increased intake of iodine or overdose of certain medications. 

The first line of treatment to control hyperthyroidism in pregnancy is antithyroid drugs. They can bring relief to the condition and reduce hormone production. Additionally, proceeding with surgery can also be an effective long-term solution. 

Mothers experiencing hyperthyroidism during pregnancy can be at risk of heart failure due to excess hormone production. High blood pressure and increased heart rate can lead to other severe conditions as well. 

Yes, you can. With preventive measures, the right diet, frequent exercising, and the most suitable course of treatment, you can have a successful delivery without experiencing any severe health conditions.

In some cases, hyperthyroidism can lead to poor health for the baby. This commonly includes premature delivery or the reduced body weight of the child.

The thyroid can be transferred from a mother to the baby since it is a hereditary disease. Thus, children are likely to witness certain symptoms of the disease if anyone in their family had it previously. 

In the cases where your hyperthyroidism is not correctly treated, it can increase the chances of a miscarriage during pregnancy. In certain cases, it also negatively impacts the fertility of the woman. 

While in some cases, hyperthyroidism doesn’t completely go away after childbirth, the condition can become inactive. This helps you get rid of the symptoms or troubles caused by the condition.

It is often safe for mothers to breastfeed while being on antithyroid medicines. However, it is best to have the drugs in small amounts and get regularly checked for your exact thyroid levels. 

Doctors often check the thyroid levels of a pregnant woman every month. This helps in ensuring that the levels stay within limits. In cases of evident and prolonged symptoms, dedicated tests can be done to diagnose the condition. 

Due to the high levels of hCG causing increased production of the thyroid hormone, hyperthyroidism is generally common during the first trimester of pregnancy. In most cases, the levels return to normalcy by the second trimester, not requiring any course of treatment. 

Untreated or poorly controlled hyperthyroidism in pregnancy can lead to various complications for the baby, such as preterm birth, low birth weight, thyroid dysfunction, and fetal or neonatal thyrotoxicosis.

Hyperthyroidism in pregnancy is a condition where the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, which can cause various complications for both the mother and baby. Symptoms may include rapid heartbeat, weight loss, anxiety, or difficulty sleeping.

Last Updated on: 9 March 2023

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational and learning purposes only. It doesn't cover every medical condition and might not be relevant to your personal situation. This information isn't medical advice, isn't meant for diagnosing any condition, and shouldn't replace talking to a certified medical or healthcare professional.

Reviewer

Dr. Arti Sharma

Dr. Arti Sharma

MBBS, DNB Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Diploma In Cosmetic Gynaecology

9 Years Experience

Dr Arti Sharma is a well-known Obstetrician and Cosmetic Gynaecologist currently associated with Aesthetica Veda in Bengaluru. She has 9 years of experience in Obstetrics and Cosmetic Gynaecology and worked as an expert Obstetrician...View More

Author

Nikita Tyagi

Nikita Tyagi

BPharm (Jawaharlal Nehru Technical University, Hyderabad)

2 Years Experience

An enthusiastic writer with an eye for details and medical correctness. An avid reviewer and publisher. She emphasises authentic information and creates value for the readers. Earlier, she was involved in making ...View More

get the appget the app
aiChatIcon