The Affects of Hypoactive Thyroid during Pregnancy
Hypothyroidism or hypoactive thyroid is the result of the thyroid gland not responding to the pituitary glands release of thyroid hormones. This then results in insufficient levels of thyroid hormone in the blood. Unfortunately, this disease requires lifelong treatment to replace the hormone that is not being produced.
Thyroid hormones
The types of hormones released by the thyroid include:
Thyroxine (T4), which contains four atoms of iodine. Triiodothyronine (T3) has three atoms of iodine attached.
The liver is responsible for turning thyroxine into its active form of Triiodothyronine. The levels of these hormones are what determine which type of thyroid disease is present. The main purpose of these hormones is to regulate how quickly your body burns energy. Changes in these hormone levels effect sleep patterns, weight, menstrual changes and erectile dysfunction.
Another type of hormone present in this process is TSH or Thyroid Stimulating Hormone which is released by the pituitary gland. If the TSH levels are too low, the thyroid is stimulated to produce and secrete additional amounts of hormones.
Symptoms:
There are some symptoms of hypothyroidism that can often be overlooked or mimic other conditions. These are commonly referred to as Subclinical hypothyroidism and include:
Fatigue Intolerance to cold Dry and/or pale skin Hair loss and brittle nails sore muscles, slow movements and weakness Hoarse voice a change in facial expression Depression Memory deficits and difficulty in concentrating Increased weight Constipation fertility problems and increased risk of miscarriage heavy, irregular or prolonged menstrual periods Bradycardia (slow heart rate)
The term Goiter refers to a swelling of one or both lobes on either side of the thyroid gland located on the lower part of the neck.
Causes:
Hypothyroidism is more common in older people. Women are more likely to be affected than men. Autoimmune conditions such as diabetes, vitiligo, and Addison’s disease. Certain medications, such as lithium carbonate (psychotropic med) and amiodarone (for the heart) Inefficient amount of iodine Autoimmune Hashimoto’s thyroiditis Problems with hypothalamus or pituitary gland.
Testing of the blood for TSH levels and thyroid hormone levels are used to determine hypothyroidism. Typically, a diagnosis of Autoimmune Hypothyroidism is determined by the presence of certain antibodies in the blood.
Treatment:
In order to treat hypothyroidism, all that is required is taking an oral medication called levothyroxine. In order to get the correct dosage, a medical professional will need to monitor you with regular blood tests and fluctuation of medication until the optimum dosage is reached. Once the dosage is determined, once yearly blood tests will allow your healthcare provider to ensure proper hormone levels are being maintained.
Fetal thyroid development occurs after the 12th week of pregnancy. Until then the fetus depends on the mother’s thyroid hormone levels for nervous system development. The mother can feel safe in taking her thyroid supplements. She needs it for her health, as well as for the health of the developing fetus.
Anyone who is planning on having a baby and is diagnosed with hypoactive thyroid should let their doctor know of their future plans. This will allow for her health to be at optimum performance.
Barb Hicks is a licensed registered nurse who is passionate about writing and sharing her knowledge. She has an online classroom at Clivir.com where she contributes more articles about Thyroid Disease Symptoms and Hypothyroidism Diet.
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