Small Thyroid Gland in Reproductive Women without Autoimmune Thyroid Disease-Ultrasonographic Evaluation as a Useful Screening Tool for Hypothyroidism

Proper thyroid function is important for women of childbearing age, as hypothyroidism affects fertility, pregnancy and offspring. The upper reference limit for thyrotropin (TSH) in pregnancy was defined as <2.5 mU/L in the first trimester. Recommendations include either universal screening of TSH before pregnancy, or identifying individuals at high risk for thyroid illness. Small thyroid gland not associated with autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) seems to be a reason for hypothyroidism and probably should be included in target case finding procedure before pregnancy. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to analyze relationships between the thyroid volume and its function, and to determine the thyroid volume as a predictive factor for TSH levels above 2.5 mu IU/mL in reproductive women without AITD. We included 151 women without AITD, and aged 18-40. Blood and urine samples were analyzed for parameters of thyroid function. Ultrasound examination of the thyroid was performed. The thyroid volume was negatively correlated with TSH. Women with a thyroid volume in the 1st quartile for the study population presented higher TSH levels versus women in the 4th quartile (p = 0.0132). A thyroid volume cut-off point of 9 mL was the predictive factor for TSH levels above 2.5 mu IU/mL (p = 0.0037).

Automated summary

For reproductive women without autoimmune thyroid disease, thyroid volume is negatively correlated with TSH levels, and a thyroid volume cutoff point of 9 mL is a predictive factor for TSH levels above 2.5 mu IU/mL.