Abstract
In order to determine the effect of gestation on thyroid function in healthy subjects, we have prospectively evaluated thyroid function in pregnant individuals undergoing termination of pregnancy, and repeated the tests 2-3 months later. Venous blood was tested for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4) and total triiodothyronine (TT3). Early pregnancy thyroid function tests showed a significant decrease (p < 0.001) in TSH and a significant increase (p < 0.001) in TT3 as compared to the nonpregnant state; FT4, however, did not change significantly. In 8 (11.2%) pregnant subjects, TT3 levels were above the normal range for nonpregnant controls. Elevated thyroid function in early pregnancy is transient, and does not usually warrant antithyroid treatment. Thus, any conclusion regarding thyroid function in early pregnancy should be based on pregnant controls rather than general population controls.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
