According to the epidemiological survey of thyroid disease in ten Chinese cities, the prevalence of hypothyroidism (hypothyroidism for short) is 6.5%, which means that there is one hypothyroid patient in every 15 people in the community of ten cities; however, due to its insidious symptoms, less than 5% of the patients are treated. It is known that the prevalence of hypothyroidism in pregnant women in China is as high as 10-15%, and experts remind the public that thyroid disorders are harmful to women, especially those of childbearing age, threatening not only their own health, but also the development of their offspring. This is why it is important to have medical tests of the thyroid gland, such as blood thyroid hormones (T3 and T4). Risk 1: Decreased intelligence of the baby The babies born to women with hypothyroidism are at increased risk of certain diseases, most of which are intellectual and developmental: several studies have shown that pregnant women with clinical hypothyroidism, subclinical hypothyroidism, hypo-T4emia or TPOAb positivity can cause a significant increase in miscarriage and complications during pregnancy, and cause fetal brain development disorders, resulting in a 6-8 point decrease in IQ of the offspring. It is now believed that only if hypothyroidism is diagnosed before or early in pregnancy and treated early can the offspring avoid impaired intelligence. However, hypothyroidism has no or only mild clinical symptoms, and these symptoms are easily confused with pregnancy reactions and are not easily diagnosed, thus leading to a low treatment rate. Risk 2: Increased chance of birth defects in children Hypothyroidism may increase birth defects in children. New research has found that women with thyroid disease are more likely to have offspring with heart, kidney or brain abnormalities. The study from the United States showed that mothers with thyroid disease (both hyperthyroid and hypothyroid, with hypothyroidism more common) gave birth to babies with birth defects (brain, kidney and heart defects, as well as cleft lip, cleft palate and polydactyly) at a rate of about 18 percent. In the general population, the rate is only about 3%. Hazard 3: Minus points for women’s health Hypothyroidism not only affects the next generation, but also has a significant impact on the health of women of childbearing age. Failure to diagnose and treat hypothyroidism early during pregnancy can result in miscarriage, premature birth, placental abruption (a very serious complication that can threaten the life of both mother and fetus), perinatal fetal death and other adverse birth events. Response: Early thyroid function check Given the high impact of hypothyroidism during pregnancy on the health of both mother and child, experts recommend that women of childbearing age actively check their thyroid function in preparation for pregnancy or early in pregnancy (preferably in the first 8 weeks of pregnancy). If hypothyroidism is detected before pregnancy, treatment should be given to bring the thyroid function up to standard before conceiving the next generation; if hypothyroidism is diagnosed during pregnancy, pharmacological intervention should be given as soon as possible, starting in the first 8 weeks of pregnancy to achieve the standard as soon as possible to ensure normal intellectual development of the offspring. Hypothyroidism is not a disease unique to women of childbearing age. Both men and women of non-reproductive age can be affected by hypothyroidism. The clinical presentation of hypothyroidism is similar to that of “suboptimal health”, so it is often overlooked, delaying diagnosis and treatment. However, hypothyroidism can be a health risk to all tissues and organs of the body, and if not detected and treated in time, it can eventually increase the risk of myocardial infarction, kidney failure, and even lead to cognitive impairment in old age.