Thyroid disorders in pregnancy: Treatment, Cost and Side Effects

Thyroid disorders are extremely common during pregnancy. At least 5% of thyroid disorders affect pregnant women. This problem is very important to treat at the right time. Thyroid disorders which affect women during pregnancy are of two types, Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Thyroid is that organ which is present in the neck and releases hormones which controls the metabolism of the body. The untreated thyroid disorders in pregnancy can also lead to premature birth of your child, miscarriage, low birth weight of the child and many other problems.

Autoimmune disorder called Grave’s disease is the main reason behind this disease to affect pregnant women. An antibody called thyroid stimulating immunoglobin makes the thyroid produce more thyroid hormone. In order to diagnose the problem of any kind of thyroid disorders in the body during pregnancy, a number of tests and physical examinations are performed by the doctors to identify the issue. With the help of these tests, the levels of thyroid stimulating hormone and thyroid hormones t4 and t3 can all be measured. The treatment for thyroid disorders in women during pregnancy aims at maintaining a normal level of thyroid hormones in the body.

An anti thyroid medication is given to women who need treatment for hyperthyroidism as the medication helps in interfering with the hormone production in the body. Methimazole can be used in the first trimester of the pregnancy if necessary. In very rare cases where women do not respond to the medication and therapies properly or if they have side effects to the treatment, surgery may be needed to remove the thyroid if deemed fit. The dose of medication may need to be increased in the first three months after pregnancy if your hyperthyroidism gets worse.

Hypothyroidism on the other hand can be treated with synthetic hormones called levothyroxine. This is very similar to the hormones t4 which is made by thyroid. Your thyroid function tests will be monitored every 4-6 weeks after your pregnancy is diagnosed. Your doctor may also need to adjust the dose of levothyroxine after diagnosing the pregnancy. Once you are sure about your pregnancy, make sure to know the doctor about it if you are suffering from hypothyroidism so that he/she can adjust the dose of the medication right away. During this timer other thyroid medications like t3 are not recommended as it may have an adverse effect on the mother and the baby. 250 microgram of iodine is to be taken by women who are pregnant or lactating.

In case you have hyperthyroidism during pregnancy, you will see symptoms like irregular heartbeat, slight tremor, trouble sleeping, nervousness, severe nausea and other problems which indicate that you are eligible for the treatment. For women who have the condition of hypothyroidism during pregnancy, symptoms like constipation, muscle cramps, sensitivity to cold temperatures and difficulty in concentrating or memeory problems can suggest that you are eligible for the treatment.

Any woman who does not show symptoms of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism during pregnancy is not eligible for the treatment.

Medications used for the treatment of thyroid disorders during pregnancy can have side effects like headache, sleeping problems, fever, hot flashes, sweating, changes in menstrual period pounding heartbeat among other issues.

Women have to be very careful about themselves and their baby’s health during and after their pregnancy. Consuming the prescribed amount of iodine per day is highly recommended.

Thyroid disorder during pregnancy and otherwise can be treated. However, the patient will need to be on medication on a regular basis in order to maintain a normal thyroid level. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and a diet is important for women who have thyroid disorders.

The medication used for treating thyroid disorders during pregnancy can range between Rs 50 – 200. Doctor’s consultation fee varies accordingly as well.

The results of the treatment is permanent. However patients who are suffering from this problem need to be on medication frequently in order to regulate the level of thyroid hormone in the body.

Thyroid disorders can be regulated with the help of natural remedies. Eating sea vegetables at least twice a week is important for people suffering from the problem. Doing yoga also helps in this condition.