Hypothyroidism, also known as hypothyroidism. According to survey data, the prevalence of hypothyroidism is higher in women than in men, and the trend has increased in recent years. Generally speaking, when a woman is pregnant, her demand for thyroid hormones increases dramatically, not only to meet her own needs, but also to supply the fetus, whose thyroid function is not yet fully developed. If the maternal thyroid gland does not produce enough, it will inevitably affect the fetal supply. Not only does this increase the risk of miscarriage and pregnancy complications for the pregnant woman, but it can also delay the child’s development, make it less intelligent, and may lead to its birth defects.
At present, the examination of thyroid function is not included in the scope of gynecological pre-pregnancy examination, therefore, Dr. Xia Zhongyuan, Chief Physician of Chinese Medicine and Surgery, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Ministry of Health, urges that people with a family history of thyroid disease, a history of thyroid disease such as goiter, hyperthyroidism, chronic thyroiditis, and people suffering from autoimmune diseases are at high risk for hypothyroidism and must be screened for thyroid function before pregnancy. In addition, patients who are prone to miscarriage and infertility, and those who have low menstruation may also be suffering from hypothyroidism, which should also be taken seriously. Women who are diagnosed with hypothyroidism and whose thyroid function is not up to standard before conception should undergo preconception medical intervention. Most people can achieve normal thyroid secretion levels after a period of treatment, and then get pregnant to minimize the risk caused by hypothyroidism.
As the second most common endocrine disorder, hypothyroidism is a chronic disease that is not easily recognized but is highly dangerous. The number of women of childbearing age with the disease has increased in recent years. Hypothyroidism in mothers during pregnancy can have irreversible effects on the growth and mental development of the baby, as well as increase the risk of miscarriage and pregnancy complications in pregnant women. Due to the insidious symptoms of hypothyroidism, Dr. Xia Zhongyuan, chief of Chinese medicine surgery at the China-Japan Friendship Hospital of the Ministry of Health, urges that high-risk groups should always be screened for thyroid function before pregnancy.
Hypothyroidism during pregnancy affects the IQ of the child
In order to reduce the risk of pregnancy and improve the chances of a eugenic baby, it is significant for women of childbearing age to be screened for thyroid function before conception or early in pregnancy. “Hypothyroidism combined with pregnancy is a particular concern for doctors,” said Xia Zhongyuan, adding that if thyroid hormone levels are low before pregnancy, pregnant women are at a higher risk of developing gestational hypertension and diabetes, and have a higher chance of preterm labor and miscarriage, and in some cases, fetal malposition and early placental abruption during delivery, which can be life-threatening. The greatest impact on the child is developmental delay and low IQ, which may also lead to birth defects.
The thyroid hormone, also known as the intelligence element, is vital to the development of the brain and nerves. 20 weeks or less, the fetus is not yet fully developed and depends on the mother for its thyroid hormone supply. Some studies have shown that even if a pregnant woman has mild hypothyroidism, her child’s IQ will be affected by it later.
Check thyroid function before pregnancy in high-risk groups
The symptoms of hypothyroidism are not very obvious and can be easily confused with suboptimal symptoms, especially in patients with mild hypothyroidism. Xia Zhongyuan introduced that the enlarged thyroid gland is a common symptom of hypothyroidism, in addition to the main manifestation of the low metabolic function of the body in various aspects, such as fatigue, weakness, sleepiness, swelling of the eyes and hands and feet, fear of cold, weight gain, loss of appetite, gastrointestinal function, slowed heart rate and pulse, dry, coarse and thick skin, etc.
Thyroid disorders have a tendency to run in families. Therefore, it is medically recommended that patients with a family history of thyroid be screened for exclusion before pregnancy. People with a history of thyroid disease such as goiter, hyperthyroidism, or chronic thyroiditis should undergo pre-pregnancy thyroid function screening, even if they do not have symptoms of hypothyroidism at the time of onset. Patients with autoimmune diseases, such as diabetes, are also in the high-risk group of hypothyroid patients. In addition, patients who are prone to miscarriage and infertility, and who have low menstrual periods, may also be caused by hypothyroidism. Xia Zhongyuan emphasized that mild hypothyroidism, also known as subclinical hypothyroidism, some of them will develop into hypothyroidism. If pregnancy is not involved and the treatment criteria are not met, doctors usually advise patients to have regular checkups, and once pregnancy is planned, preconception medical intervention is necessary to avoid adverse effects on the pregnant woman and child.
Checking thyroid hormones 2-3 weeks before reaching the standard
Through active treatment, the thyroid hormones in the body of hypothyroid patients can reach the normal index. Various symptoms can also be improved or even disappear. The current treatment method is called thyroid replacement therapy, in which the patient takes thyroid hormone medication to compensate for the lack of production. The dosage is adjusted by the doctor according to the patient’s regular checkup results and improvement of symptoms.
”Before thyroid hormone levels reach the standard, hypothyroid patients are recommended to have a checkup once every 2-3 weeks. After reaching the standard, pregnant women with pregnancy needs can determine the time of conception and the interval between checkups under the guidance and advice of their doctors.” Xia Zhongyuan explained that, in general, when a woman enters pregnancy, her body’s demand for thyroid hormone increases, usually by 30;-50;% compared to normal, with the exact amount varying from individual to individual. The demand is even greater after the seventh month of pregnancy, so thyroid function should be monitored regularly throughout the pregnancy, but since this item is not included in the gynecological maternity examination, pregnant women should go to the relevant department for a separate examination.
Adjust your emotions during pregnancy and pay attention to your diet
While genetic factors are the main cause of hypothyroidism, the impact of emotions on hypothyroid patients cannot be ignored. Xia Zhongyuan explained that bad emotions can affect the secretion of thyroid hormones, therefore, reducing the occurrence of emotions such as tension and anxiety in daily life is beneficial to the stability of the patient’s condition. In addition to emotions, diet should also be limited, usually control to eat high iodine food, such as scallops, kelp and other seafood; rape, cabbage, cabbage, cassava, walnuts and other foods. However, because of the high iodine demand of pregnant women with hypothyroidism, they may not be restricted during pregnancy. In addition, pregnant women in the second trimester are prone to swelling, so eat less salty food and more high-protein food, fresh vegetables and fruits.
Pregnant women with hypothyroidism need to keep warm, move around properly and go to public places less often to prevent infectious diseases. It is better to record self-feeling frequently, such as fear of cold, swelling, heartbeat, food intake, stool, etc., for the doctor’s reference, so that the dosage of thyroid medication can be adjusted easily. If you feel good about yourself during pregnancy, are not afraid of cold, no swelling, good appetite, normal heartbeat and no constipation, it indicates that the dosage of thyroid medication is appropriate; if you are afraid of cold, swelling, lazy, poor appetite and constipation, the dosage of medication may be insufficient; if you are afraid of heat and have a fast heartbeat, it often indicates that the dosage of medication is too much. During the medication period, you should see your doctor monthly to check FT3, FT4, T3, T4 and TSH as a reference to adjust the medication dose.
Detecting hypothyroidism in children can be based on symptoms
According to Xia Zhongyuan, there are three causes of hypothyroidism in children: genetic factors, insufficient iodine intake and abnormal immune function. Since children have limited language skills, parents should pay attention to the performance of their children during infancy and childhood. Children with a family history of hypothyroidism are at high risk and require extra attention.
Infants with childhood hypothyroidism are more honest in the weeks after birth, cry rarely, do not actively ask for milk, have hoarse cries, are bloated, constipated and have thickened skin.
”If it happens in childhood, when hypothyroidism is severe, the child has a dull expression, a wide nose, two eyes far apart, swollen eye bubbles, thick lips that protrude forward, a hoarse voice, no teeth or few teeth, height and mental development levels are significantly lower than those of children of the same age, and can only do simple things and not slightly more complicated things, which is medically called cretinism. The height and bone age of school-age children with hypothyroidism are generally lower than their peers, and they have difficulty concentrating and are slow to respond.” If your child’s academic performance drops for no apparent reason and symptoms of an enlarged thyroid gland appear, parents should be alert to the possibility that hypothyroidism is to blame,” said Xia Zhongyuan.
Hyperthyroid patients are prone to hunger and overeating
Contrary to the pathogenesis of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism is a general term for a disease in which the patient secretes too much thyroid hormone, which enters the circulating blood and acts on tissues and organs throughout the body, resulting in increased excitability and hyper-metabolism of the body’s nervous, circulatory, digestive and other systems.
The clinical manifestations of hyperthyroidism vary in severity, with some patients showing very obvious symptoms and others showing relatively mild ones. The clinical manifestations of hyperthyroidism vary depending on the age of the patient, the duration of the disease, and the lesions produced, causing abnormalities in various organs. “The most typical symptoms of hyperthyroidism patients are fear of heat, excessive sweating, moist skin, easy hunger, excessive eating, panic, fast heart rate, prominent eyes, thin appearance, and easy impatience and excitement.”
Xia Zhongyuan told reporters that the diet of hyperthyroidism patients should strictly limit iodine intake, and before the condition is stabilized, more food with high calorie, high protein, high vitamin and low iodine needs to be supplemented. The patient should take part in more outdoor activities, increase contact with nature, avoid stressful things, keep a calm mind and happy spirit, take proper rest, and not engage in heavy physical labor. Pregnancy in hyperthyroidism has relatively less impact on the child.