A practical approach to the management of thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy

Pregnancy has an important impact on the thyroid gland and its function. Thyroid activity changes as a consequence of the novel physiological state of pregnancy and requires a complex hormonal and metabolic adaptation, which is possible only in the presence of a perfectly functioning thyroid gland. In fact, thyroid function is crucial for the success of the implantation and the progression of pregnancy. Abnormal thyroid function is very common among childbearing age women, explaining the high incidence of thyroid diseases that occur during pregnancy. Aim of this work is to analyze the adaptive events that characterize the thyroid function during pregnancy, exploring their hormonal, metabolic and molecular mechanisms. Moreover, the interpretation of the laboratory data necessary to monitor the thyroid functioning during normal pregnancy or in the presence of thyroid abnormalities will be discussed.

Automated summary

Pregnancy can cause changes in thyroid function, which requires complex hormonal and metabolic adaptations. Thyroid function is crucial for successful implantation and progression of pregnancy. Abnormal thyroid function is common among women of childbearing age, leading to a high incidence of thyroid diseases during pregnancy. This study aims to analyze the adaptive events and mechanisms that occur in thyroid function during pregnancy, as well as interpret laboratory data for monitoring thyroid function during normal pregnancy or in the presence of thyroid abnormalities.