Thyroid and pregnancy
Gerber, P.
Schweizerische Rundschau für Medizin Praxis 82(32): 854-857
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 1013-2058 PMID: 8372280 Document Number: 405542
Functional disorders of the thyroid, in particular hypothyroidism, can be the cause of reduced fertility in women. These dysfunctions may also increase the frequency of spontaneous miscarriage and/or fetal malformations. It is important to know the physiological adaptation-mechanisms of the thyroid in this special situation in order to understand and to diagnose such malformations and miscarriages. After a review of the physiology the most frequently observed thyroid disorders of mother and fetus during pregnancy are mentioned. Diagnostic methods and therapeutic measures are described. Finally a frequently misdiagnosed disorder of the thyroid, manifesting itself within the months following a delivery is presented: the postpartal thyroiditis.