A recent study from the University of Utah Health highlights the potential long-term risks for women who develop subclinical thyroid issues during pregnancy.
Subclinical hypothyroidism, characterized by an underactive thyroid gland with no apparent symptoms, was found to significantly increase the risk of developing symptomatic hypothyroidism later on. Pregnant women diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism before 21 weeks of gestation were four times more likely to develop symptomatic hypothyroidism within five years post-delivery. Additionally, these women had a fourfold higher chance of requiring thyroid replacement therapy during the same period.
The study, published in the journal Thyroid, involved 307 pregnant women diagnosed with either subclinical hypothyroidism or hypothyroxinemia (low thyroxine levels) between 8 and 20 weeks of gestation. Researchers followed up with the participants at 1 and 5 years post-delivery to assess thyroid conditions.
Dr. Michael Varner, lead author and professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Utah, emphasized that while subclinical hypothyroidism itself is not harmful during pregnancy, it can lead to overt hypothyroidism after pregnancy, which is associated with symptoms such as fatigue, depression, and potential heart problems.
Interestingly, women with hypothyroxinemia during pregnancy did not show an increased risk for long-term hypothyroidism, according to the study’s findings.
Varner noted that their research adds to the understanding that the postpartum period is critical for monitoring and managing autoimmune diseases like hypothyroidism. He also mentioned that prenatal treatment for subclinical hypothyroidism or hypothyroxinemia did not impact neurodevelopmental outcomes in children based on the trials referenced in their study.
In conclusion, the study underscores the importance of monitoring thyroid function in pregnant women and suggests that early identification and management of subclinical hypothyroidism may mitigate future thyroid-related health issues post-delivery.
