Does Hashimoto's thyroiditis affect pregnancy?

Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
Updated on September 27, 2024
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Hashimoto's thyroiditis, it is a type of autoimmune disease. Some people might have normal thyroid function, while others may develop hypothyroidism. Therefore, if someone with Hashimoto's thyroiditis plans to become pregnant, it is essential to test thyroid function before pregnancy. For patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, we recommend that the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) should be controlled below 2.5 mIU/L before suggesting pregnancy, as this can prevent potential impacts on the fetus's intelligence.

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Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
1min 3sec home-news-image

Hashimoto's thyroiditis should be seen in which department?

Hashimoto's thyroiditis, also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, should be seen by an endocrinologist as it is an autoimmune disease. How do we know if it's Hashimoto's thyroiditis? It is typically identified during routine physical examinations that include a thyroid function test. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is characterized by a specific antibody, the anti-thyroperoxidase antibody, also known as Tpoab. Many people may have elevated levels of this antibody, yet their thyroid function, such as free T3, T4, and TSH levels, remains normal. In such cases, it is advisable to initially observe the condition dynamically and to regularly recheck thyroid function, as some individuals may gradually develop reduced thyroid function. Thus, regular monitoring of thyroid function is very important.

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Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
1min 2sec home-news-image

What is the heart rate for Hashimoto's thyroiditis?

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune thyroid disease. The course of the disease can include hyperthyroidism, euthyroidism, and hypothyroidism. When Hashimoto's thyroiditis is at different stages of thyroid function, the changes in heart rate are also inconsistent. When Hashimoto's thyroiditis coincides with hyperthyroidism, the heart rate may be fast, even exceeding 100bpm. When Hashimoto's thyroiditis coincides with normal thyroid function, the heart rate may be within the normal range, around 60bpm to 100bpm. When Hashimoto's thyroiditis coincides with hypothyroidism, the heart rate may slow down, possibly dropping below 60bpm. Therefore, in Hashimoto's thyroiditis, as the thyroid function varies, so does the heart rate.

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Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
1min 11sec home-news-image

How to cure Hashimoto's thyroiditis?

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is characterized by autoimmune antibodies destroying the thyroid gland, leading to a gradual decline in thyroid function and manifesting symptoms of hypothyroidism. Currently, this disease is incurable. Treatment mainly includes restricting iodine intake to keep it within a safe range to prevent the progression of autoimmune destruction of the thyroid. Patients who only have thyroid swelling without hypothyroidism generally do not require treatment. However, once hypothyroidism occurs, it can be treated with levothyroxine to alleviate the symptoms of hypothyroidism. Nevertheless, current levothyroxine treatment cannot stop the progression of the disease. When the thyroid swells rapidly with local pain or compressive symptoms, treatment with glucocorticoids can be considered. However, if the symptoms do not improve or the compressive symptoms are significant, surgical treatment may be considered, although the likelihood of developing hypothyroidism post-surgery is higher.

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Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
47sec home-news-image

Does Hashimoto's thyroiditis cause weight loss?

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune thyroiditis where autoantibodies within the body cause the destruction of thyroid follicular cells, leading to thyroid cell failure. During the course of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, hyperthyroidism may occur. Due to the destruction of thyroid follicles by autoantibodies, a significant release of thyroid hormones into the blood occurs, resulting in a hyperthyroid state. Therefore, symptoms such as weight loss, heat intolerance, and excessive sweating which are typical of hyperthyroidism may also appear in Hashimoto's thyroiditis. However, as the disease progresses, the condition gradually leads to decreased thyroid function.

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Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
35sec home-news-image

Does Hashimoto's thyroiditis affect pregnancy?

Hashimoto's thyroiditis, it is a type of autoimmune disease. Some people might have normal thyroid function, while others may develop hypothyroidism. Therefore, if someone with Hashimoto's thyroiditis plans to become pregnant, it is essential to test thyroid function before pregnancy. For patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, we recommend that the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) should be controlled below 2.5 mIU/L before suggesting pregnancy, as this can prevent potential impacts on the fetus's intelligence.