Guest guest Posted March 12, 2003 Report Share Posted March 12, 2003 Hi Jen, Hormonal changes in pregnancy have a profound effect on thyroid function. In the first trimester, thryoid hormone levels normally rise slightly because the hormone hCG asks much like TSH. This is a protective measure to ensure that you're making enought thyroid hormone level for your baby. At about 11 weeks gestation, the fetus begins making its own thryoid hormone and is no longer as dependent on you. In the 2nd half of pregnancy, hCG levels fall; along with high estrogen levels, thyroid hormone levels then fall. And in autoimmune thyroid disease, symptoms improve because the immune system slows down. Consequently, in the second half of pregnancy, many women on ATDs do not need to be on them. And women on thryoid hormone need roughly double their replacement dose. Post-partum thryoiditis generally occurs during the first 6-12 months after delivery, not during pregnancy. People can become hyperthryoid or hypothryoid first, but most eventually move into having hypothyroidism, and often this becomes permanent. Some people can have mild GD and also postpartum thryoiditis in which case they will become hyperthryoid after delivery but eventually move back into hypothryoidism. Best wishes for a glowing pregnancy, Elaine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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