Among the worst nightmares actively discussed by expectant mothers, elevated TSH during pregnancy is one of the most popular topics. And here the point is not only that recently there has been a not very good tendency towards an increase in the level of this hormone in pregnant women. Specialist doctors and their patients on forums paint terrifying prognoses for women with elevated TSH.

How dangerous is this? And what to do if TSH is elevated during pregnancy?

What is TSH?

For those who have encountered a short but incomprehensible abbreviation for the first time in their lives, we will briefly give its definition. TSH is a thyroid-stimulating hormone produced by the pituitary gland. The role of this hormone for each person is quite significant, since it regulates the activity of the thyroid gland. In particular, TSH promotes the production of vital hormones by the thyroid gland - triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4).

All these hormones have a close relationship: T3 and T4 are formed only under the influence of TSH, but as soon as their level exceeds a certain threshold, the production of TSH is suppressed.

The normal level of all these hormones ensures the normal functioning of the sexual, cardiovascular and nervous systems, psyche, gastrointestinal tract, as well as the entire endocrine system.

TSH and pregnancy

Women planning a pregnancy are very familiar with this hormone, since when taking tests during planning, they also checked the levels of TSH and T4. This study is repeated immediately after pregnancy - the level of thyroid-stimulating and thyroid hormones is checked together.

A slight increase in TSH levels during pregnancy is a physiological norm and does not require correction: this phenomenon is very often observed among expectant mothers.

And, nevertheless, increased indicators will certainly be of interest to the gynecologist managing your pregnancy. He may prescribe some medications to reduce them, but the best solution would be to consult an endocrinologist. But the whole point is that with the norms for the concentration of thyroid-stimulating hormone in pregnant women, everything is ambiguous. Moreover, incorrectly prescribed treatment can only worsen things, and only a qualified gynecologist-endocrinologist can objectively assess the condition of a pregnant woman with elevated TSH and/or T4 levels and select adequate therapy.

Elevated TSH during pregnancy: symptoms

The sooner treatment for high TSH begins, the better the therapeutic prognosis will be. As a rule, the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone during pregnancy is determined by early stages, when even with its significant increase there are still no obvious signs of pathology. But you can still suspect an excess of thyroid-stimulating hormone in a pregnant woman based on the following signs:

• thickening of the neck;
• formation of excess weight (which is very difficult to lose);
• increased weakness and fatigue, decreased ability to work;
• absent-mindedness, inattention, lethargy, decreased ability to concentrate;
• depression or apathy;
• increased irritability and nervousness;
• sleep disorders;
• lack of appetite;
• disturbances in bowel movements (stool retention);
• nausea;
• decrease in body temperature;
• pale skin;
• formation of edema.

Normal TSH during pregnancy

Throughout life and even within one day, the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone is constantly changing. Doctors generally recommend that all women over 40 keep it under control at all times.

It is noteworthy that different standards for TSH concentration have been established for men and women, and there are different standards among different specialists and different global medical communities. In addition, the reagents and techniques used in laboratory tests can also change the results in each individual laboratory.

But as for the period of bearing a child, there are some other features in this regard.

The level of thyroid-stimulating hormone changes throughout the entire period of pregnancy. To a large extent, it depends on the health of the expectant mother, but still the period is of great importance. Normally, the lowest TSH level during pregnancy is in most cases observed in the first trimester - at 10-12 weeks. Then it rises slightly.

On average, the norm for pregnant women is considered to be in the range from 0.2 to 3.5 mIU/l. Speaking separately by trimester, in Russia the norm is considered to be 0.4-2.5 mIU/l in the 1st trimester and the generally accepted indicator 0.4-4.0 mIU/l in the second and third trimesters (although some experts call the maximum acceptable threshold is 3 mIU/l). We speak in Russia because other countries have their own norms. So, for Americans, for example, they are slightly lower.

What is dangerous about elevated TSH during pregnancy?

A significant increase in the concentration of thyroid-stimulating hormone during pregnancy poses a real threat to its normal course and the development of the baby. In particular, doctors warn: this can negatively affect the mental and mental development of the baby.

The greatest threat is posed by an increase in TSH in the first trimester: firstly, during this period the formation and formation of all the vital organs and systems of the fetus occurs, and secondly, it is now very sensitive to the hormonal background of its mother, since the baby’s thyroid gland is not yet capable of function independently.

There is an increased risk of developing pathologies in the fetus, as well as miscarriage due to problems in the mother’s health. With a decrease in thyroid function, an increase in TSH levels will be one of the very first and most reliable signs, which may indicate the development of quite serious diseases. Among them, doctors call:

• severe gestosis (preeclampsia);
• cholecystectomy;
• hemodialysis;
• adrenal insufficiency;
• thyroiditis;
• thyrotropin;
• tumor formations;
• severe somatic and mental disorders and others.

Therefore, elevated TSH during pregnancy should never be ignored. But does this condition require admission? medicines?

Elevated TSH during pregnancy: treatment

This is perhaps the most important and concerning question for all pregnant women with elevated levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone. Once again, we draw your attention to the fact that with a high level of TSH in pregnant women, we are talking about a potential danger, and not a guaranteed pathology. In addition, the threat exists only with a significant increase in the level of this hormone.

If TSH is slightly increased during pregnancy (no more than 4 mU/l), and free T4 remains at normal levels, then this condition does not require any intervention. Correction is made only when, against the background of even a slightly increased level of TSH, thyroxine (T4) is not produced enough or an increase in the titer of antibodies to TPO is noted. If these indicators (T4 and AT to TPO) are normal, and TSH does not exceed 4 mIU/l, then no treatment is required.

Also, treatment for elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone during pregnancy is necessary if its level is quite high compared to the norm - more than 7 mU/l. But even in this case, you should not be nervous and torment yourself with bad speculations: the condition is easily correctable and, if treatment is started in a timely manner and carried out correctly, does not pose any dangers. All that is required of you is to follow your doctor’s prescription.

To correct hormonal levels with elevated TSH levels, pregnant women are prescribed a synthetic analogue of the hormone thyroxine - L-thyroxine or Euthyrox. It may also be necessary to adjust the use of iodine preparations (the previously prescribed dosage is changed or the drug is discontinued) - often only this is enough to normalize the TSH level (if it was slightly increased).

Few pregnant women know that an overdose of iodides can provoke an increase in TSH levels during pregnancy. Also among the likely causes of the development of this condition, in addition to the diseases mentioned above, may be the use of other medications (neuroleptics, beta-blockers, prednisone and others) or removal of the gallbladder.

It will be necessary to take L-thyroxine for quite a long time, perhaps even throughout the entire period and after childbirth. But the drug can be stopped earlier: the TSH level will need to be checked and kept under control all the time.

Treatment begins, as a rule, with a low dose (if the disorder was detected early), gradually increasing it until the TSH and T4 levels return to normal. The dosage is always selected individually (the doctor calculates it based on the pregnant woman’s body weight).

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Especially for - Ekaterina Vlasenko

TSH or thyrotropin, thyroid-stimulating hormone is a product of the anterior pituitary gland that regulates thyroid function. The latter contains its receptors, with the help of which high thyrotropin stimulates the thyroid gland to produce and activate its hormones.

The thyroid gland completely determines all types of metabolism in the body, the work of the cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal tract, central nervous system, and reproduction. Thyrotropin and thyroid hormones have a feedback relationship (swing). From the moment of pregnancy, a woman’s whole body changes, and the endocrine glands are no exception. Hormonal levels begin to fluctuate, which is normal.

Based on TSH levels, the doctor has the whole picture of the course of gestation. When registered with the LCD, the gynecologist will refer the woman for TSH during pregnancy, and if there have already been problems with the thyroid gland in previous births, the test must be taken even when planning pregnancy and kept under control during the first 10 weeks of pregnancy.

Such women must undergo a full examination before becoming pregnant. The fact is that when pregnancy occurs, it is the thyroid-stimulating hormone that reflects the condition of the thyroid gland. TSH is disturbed in pathologies of the liver and kidneys, mental disorders, and constant lack of sleep.

How does thyroid-stimulating hormone behave during pregnancy?

During gestation, the fetus does not yet have a thyroid gland until the 10th week and does not need the TSH hormone; Mom’s iron therefore works for two. There is a special table of immunological studies for the thyroid group, which is available to any endocrinologist. The upper norm of the TSH hormone fluctuates around 2-2.5 µIU/l. Moreover, this should happen both during planning and when conception occurs.

The lower limit of TSH should be at least 0.5 µIU/l - this is normal. Numbers below this are already pathological. There is no need to determine TSH by week; it is enough to determine it by trimester.

• 1st trimester - 0.1-0.4 mU/l or mIU/l;
• 2nd trimester - 0.3-2.8 mU/l;
• 3rd trimester - 0.4-3.5 mU/l.

TSH during pregnancy is normal: during pregnancy it ranges from 0.2 to 3.5 mIU/l. IN different countries these standards vary.

In the CIS, TSH norms during pregnancy by trimester are as follows: the accepted indicator is 0.4-2.5 mIU/l in the 1st trimester and 0.4-4.0 mIU/l in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters. Some experts indicate that the maximum value may be 3 mIU/l. In other regions, the norms for pregnant women are different. For example, in America they are lower.

Symptomatic manifestations of thyrotropin deficiency

Below normal - this means close to 0. T4 increases. Symptoms:

• tachycardia appears with increased cardiac output;
• AH above 160 mm Hg;
• severe cephalgia;
• the temperature becomes constantly low-grade;
• Appetite increases and a feeling of constant hunger appears against the background of decreased weight.

A pregnant woman's emotional background changes: the woman becomes irritable, unbalanced, and may experience convulsions and tremors of the limbs.

Reasons for decreased thyrotropin

Low TSH during pregnancy can occur:

• during fasting and strict diets;
• stress;
• Sheehan syndrome (atrophy of pituitary cells after childbirth);
• self-medication for hyperthyroidism;
• insufficient functioning of the pituitary gland;
• formations and nodes of the thyroid gland, affecting the production of hormones;
• with iodine deficiency.

If the condition does not respond to conservative therapy with thyreostatics, they even resort to resection of the thyroid gland in women during pregnancy.

Thyrotropin and conception

The work of the thyroid gland should dominate when planning pregnancy. Its failure may prevent you from conceiving and bearing a fetus. The influence of TSH in a girl on conception is such that when a doctor sees anovulation on an ultrasound of the pelvic organs, and the luteal body is underdeveloped, he will always refer you for a TSH test.

In general, elevated TSH can negatively affect the ovaries - it inhibits the development of the corpus luteum. If the indicated elevated TSH does not have time to act on ovulation, conception occurs.

How does TSH affect conception? In general, TSH itself has little effect on fertilization; conception is affected by diseases that cause infertility. These include manifest hypothyroidism (TSH should be high and T4 should be low); the state of hyperprolactinemia is an increased amount of prolactin. If TSH is elevated during pregnancy, but thyroid hormones remain in the N, the pregnancy proceeds normally.

Behavior of TSH during pregnancy

1st trimester - when a zygote appears in the body, hCG is produced - human chorionic gonadotropin. It stimulates the work of the thyroid gland, under its influence it already works stronger than its normal norm and increases by 50%. A lot of thyroxine accumulates in the blood. Her hormones jump sharply and TSH drops in the first trimester of pregnancy.

From the 10th week, hCG begins to gradually decrease and by the beginning of the 2nd trimester it drops significantly. This leads to an increase in TSH and free T4, but within normal limits. Estrogens begin to rise, free hormones become less and less.

From the beginning of the 2nd trimester until childbirth, elevated TSH during pregnancy in the presence of associated hormones increases, but not more than normal. Therefore, this is not considered a pathology.

If at the end of the 1st trimester the TSH value is low and has not increased, this is already a sign of thyrotoxicosis. A decrease can lead to placental abruption. Even when labor occurs, defects and anomalies may later be discovered.

First trimester

Thyroid-stimulating hormone in the early stages of pregnancy: in a healthy potential mother, it is always low in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Ideally, the TSH norm is no higher than 2.4-2.5 µIU/ml - the numbers should be average: 1.5 - 1.8 µIU/ml.

TSH does not pass through the placenta, but its thyroid hormones do. With the indicated numbers, TSH-T4 free during pregnancy will be exactly in the range that will allow the fetus to develop normally.

At multiple pregnancy TSH is below normal, close to 0. Week 10-12 – has the lowest TSH. It is suppressed by hCG. Then it can increase.

2nd and 3rd trimester

Norm TSH in the second trimester of pregnancy: during pregnancy, the 2nd trimester already has a normal gradual increase in thyrotropin. From the 18th week of pregnancy, the fetus already has its own working thyroid gland, and in the second trimester it begins to produce TSH from the 15th week of gestation. Now the function of protecting the fetus from intoxication by maternal hormones is triggered: the corpus luteum is completely reduced and only the placenta functions.

Second trimester of pregnancy: estrogens increase, they increase the synthesis of transporter proteins that bind free T3 and T4 and reduce their amount. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in the 3rd trimester in pregnant women approaches the usual thyroid level, since a decrease in hCG also helps to transfer the thyroid gland to a normal rhythm. All this leads to an increase now already in the third trimester of pregnancy.

The values ​​will fluctuate, but within normal limits. An endocrinologist controls this process.

High levels of TSH during pregnancy can lead to hypothyroidism and complications: miscarriages, abruption, fetal deformities.

The effect of TSH on the fetus and pregnancy is such that the development of congenital hypothyroidism and cretinism is possible. But this is in theory, not guaranteed. This will only manifest itself when thyroid-stimulating hormone levels are too high.

TSH should be more than 7. Then treatment is required. The most common causes of increased TSH:

• this is a pituitary adenoma;
• adrenal dysfunction;
• gestosis;
• severe somatics;
• cholecystectomy;
• taking antipsychotics;
• iodine deficiency;
• excess doses of iodine preparations; kidney pathologies;
• hemodialysis;
• hypothyroidism;
• lead poisoning.

Treatment becomes necessary if the TSH level in pregnant women is above 7 units - Eutirox or L-thyroxine is prescribed.

Symptoms of high TSH

If TSH levels are 2.5 times or more above normal, this is especially dangerous in the first 12 weeks.

Manifestations and symptoms:

• slowness of reactions;
• lethargy;
• absent-mindedness;
• irritability;
• neck deformities;
• decreased appetite up to its complete absence;
• symptoms of constant nausea combined with steady weight gain;
• constant constipation;
• temperature is below normal;
• There are also symptoms of skin changes: it is dry and pale;
• hair falls out;
• brittle nails;
• tendency to swelling on the body and face;
• the appearance of fatigue and weakness in the morning;
• daytime sleepiness and insomnia at night.

Many signs may resemble early toxicosis, so it is better to find out the causes of the condition from a doctor. But more often the symptoms do not attract attention, because in the CIS the Chernobyl accident still resonates and chronic iodine deficiency is noted.

A high TSH level should not cause panic, because it is easy to correct conservatively. But high TSH indicates the onset of goiter or thyroiditis. The decision about tests is made by the doctor. If a thyroidectomy was performed before conception, hormones are taken throughout pregnancy.

What conditions can thyroid gland have?

1. Eutheriosis – the functioning of the gland is normal.
2. Thyrotoxicosis – not only a decrease in TSH is noted, but also an excess of thyroid hormones and poisoning by them. This is Graves' disease.
3. Hyperthyroidism is an excess of hormones without intoxication.
4. Hypothyroidism is a lack of T3 and T4 during pregnancy.

Taking tests

It must be carried out with certain preparation. To identify the functioning of the thyroid gland, blood test for TSH in women: TSH during pregnancy is determined for several days in a row, at the same time.

Avoid alcohol and smoking for 2-3 days. During pregnancy, how to take the test correctly: it is taken at 6-8 weeks of pregnancy. Avoid taking any drugs, especially hormones. Any loads are also excluded.

A TSH test (test) during pregnancy is taken on an empty stomach, in the morning, preferably before 9 o’clock. Often, your doctor may send you for testing even without symptoms.

Principles of treatment

HRT is not prescribed without a clinic. If the TSH level during pregnancy is increased only to 4 mU/l, and free T4 is normal, therapy is not needed. It is prescribed only when T4 decreases. Treatment is carried out with thyroxine. Conservative treatment corrects hormone status well.

It should be noted that during the postpartum period you should never stop taking Thyroxine on your own. But it makes sense to discuss the dosage of Thyroxine during breastfeeding if TSH has increased after childbirth.

By normalizing hormonal levels, it is possible to completely cancel treatment with Eutirox if TSH after childbirth was high before the measurement. Sometimes it is enough to correct iodides without hormones. An overdose of iodine can increase thyrotropin. Treatment should be prescribed not by a gynecologist, but by an endocrinologist.

The course, dosage and treatment regimen are always individual. You cannot self-medicate. TSH levels during pregnancy can be maintained proper nutrition: increase proteins, reduce fats and simple carbohydrates, salt. This is always useful. More red vegetables, greens, apples, persimmons, cereals, seaweed, i.e. such a diet to reduce iodine deficiency. You also need good sleep, fresh air and moderate physical activity.

TSH norm during pregnancy in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd trimester: what indicators should be and how to properly take the test for control

A woman’s endocrine health plays an important role not only in conceiving a child, but also in carrying it to term. One of the main hormones that affects a woman’s reproductive system is thyroid-stimulating hormone. The expectant mother needs to know what normal TSH during pregnancy in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd trimester, when is it necessary to donate blood for tests, why and why does the TSH level increase or decrease by different dates during pregnancy.

1. TSH analysis during pregnancy: timing, preparation and indications
2. Normal indicators depending on trimester
3. The influence of hormone concentration in the blood in the first trimester
4. The influence of hormone concentration in the blood in the second trimester
5. Decreased TSH level
6. High TSH during pregnancy
7. Adjusting TSH levels
8. Antibodies to thyroglobulin

TSH and its effect on the development of pregnancy

Synthesis of thyroid-stimulating hormone occurs in the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland. After production, it begins to perform its main function - to control the functioning of the thyroid gland. That is why it is often classified as a hormone, but it is not. The gland itself synthesizes two main hormones - T3 and T4.

Very often, when TSH production is disrupted, the organ’s functioning malfunctions, which affects the concentration of specific hormones. This is very dangerous during pregnancy, because T3 and T4 perform important functions:

• thanks to their activity, the corpus luteum is stimulated, which helps preserve the embryo at the initial stage of development;
• When the first trimester begins, thyroid hormones stimulate healthy brain development at the cellular level;
• participate in the control of the formation and development of all organs of the fetus.

When pregnancy occurs, the woman’s body begins to produce chorionic hormone, which affects the thyroid gland. Since the thyroid and pituitary glands communicate with each other through negative feedback, a change in TSH concentration occurs, either up or down.

Correctly taking a TSH test during pregnancy: timing, preparation and indications

The best option would be to surrender. This approach will make it possible to diagnose disorders and carry out corrective treatment in a timely manner, which will not in any way affect the health of the unborn child. If a woman did not take the test when planning or the pregnancy was unexpected, then the obstetrician-gynecologist will prescribe a test at the first visit (the best time to take the test is considered to be –).

Blood testing for TSH levels must be done in the morning and on an empty stomach. A day before the test, a woman should exclude physical activity and nicotine use, if any.

When taking medications that regulate the functioning of the thyroid gland, additional consultation with an endocrinologist is necessary before taking the test. In most cases, it is not recommended to take the pill on the day of the test.

Abnormalities in TSH levels may require regular blood donations for monitoring. In this case, the analysis must be taken at approximately the same time. How often you need to get tested is up to your doctor to decide. The delivery range can vary from 10 days to one month depending on the treatment performed. The time it takes to obtain the result depends on the equipment of the laboratory.

TSH norm indicators depending on trimester

Changes in TSH levels throughout pregnancy are normal. This happens due to the development of the fetus. So, in the first trimester, the fetus does not yet have its own thyroid gland, so the child draws the necessary hormones from the mother’s body. Because of this jump at the very beginning of pregnancy, a woman’s TSH level drops significantly, and T3 and T4 increase. The second trimester is accompanied by a gradual balancing of all endocrine hormones. And only by the third trimester does a woman have normal concentrations of TSH, T3 and T4.

Table 1.

TSH during pregnancy: normal

Do not be alarmed if the TSH concentration is very low or the level drops to 0 mU/l; in some women such a sharp jump is considered normal. A sharp decrease is also typical for twin pregnancies.

You should not worry about minor deviations from the norm, because they will not have any effect on the health of the mother and fetus. Significant fluctuations in concentration are considered a serious signal for a quick response, because prolonged exposure to an incorrect dose of the hormone can cause various pathologies.

Increased TSH during pregnancy: consequences for the child

In the first trimester, fluctuations in the TSH hormone are most often observed. An elevated TSH level in the first trimester of pregnancy may indicate not only the presence of a tumor in the pituitary gland, but also in the thyroid gland itself. If the substance is not corrected, pathology may develop: the child will have abnormalities in the development of his own thyroid gland. Also, if the concentration is incorrect, a miscarriage may occur in the early stages. Since the first trimester is a particularly important stage in the development of a child, any fluctuation in the hormone will affect the formation of fetal organs.

In addition, an elevated TSH level in the 1st trimester of pregnancy can cause the development of the following abnormalities:

• the formation of severe gestosis;
• the appearance of cholecystectomy;
• dysfunction of the adrenal glands;
• mental and somatic disorders.

All these changes will have an impact on the health of mother and baby. Do not forget that deviations from the norm in the first weeks of pregnancy can cause premature birth.

Normal TSH during pregnancy in the 2nd trimester

At the onset of the second trimester, the fetus is able to independently produce the necessary thyroid hormones (this organ is formed in the child approximately during development), so an increase in TSH levels is observed. For the norm, see Table 1. C—the child undergoes independent synthesis of TSH. During this period, the work of the mother’s organ returns to its usual mode.

Elevated TSH in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy may indicate the full functioning of the child’s endocrine system.

The influence of hormone concentration in the blood in the third trimester

By the end of the third trimester, the woman’s hormone levels in the blood are completely normalized, so the levels become approximately the same as before pregnancy. An exception is taking hormonal medications, which can change the TSH level in the 3rd trimester.

Low TSH during pregnancy

During pregnancy, it is very difficult to distinguish a physiological decrease in the hormone from a pathological one. That is why it is recommended to get tested before planning.

A pathological decrease in TSH levels during pregnancy is a signal of the development of certain abnormalities in the thyroid gland. The most common disease is. It is manifested by increased activity of the thyroid gland, which produces excess triiodothyronine and thyroxine.

The main symptoms of this disorder include:

• sharp weight loss, which is caused by increased metabolism;
• increase in the volume of the thyroid gland;
• bulging eyes – exophthalmos;
• excessive sweating;
• tachycardia and rapid pulse;
• arrhythmia;
• blood pressure disorders;
• and abdominal pain;
• hepatomegaly;
• anxiety and restlessness;
• severe irritability;

Elevated TSH during pregnancy

In most cases, an increase in TSH levels occurs asymptomatically. Diagnosis of such a deviation is noted only during the first screening at the beginning of pregnancy, when increased concentrations can already affect the health of the fetus.

Obvious changes occur at long-term high concentrations, which cause the development of various pathologies.

The most common disease observed in expectant mothers is a deficiency of thyroid hormones.

The main symptoms of this pathology include:

• low body temperature;
• overweight;
• hypercarotenemia;
• hoarse voice;
• decreased memory level;
• bradycardia;
• irritability;
• drowsiness;
• decreased appetite;
• dry skin and hair.

On later Elevated TSH levels can cause severe toxicosis.

The development of disturbances in hormone concentrations can occur due to many factors:

• frequent diets;
• stress;
• pathologies of the adrenal glands;
• smoking;
• previous gall bladder surgery;
• taking certain medications;
• hormonal contraceptives.

Most often, such violations occur due to severe stress, which causes emotional stress on a woman’s body. Moreover, these changes occur even before pregnancy and are diagnosed by chance.

Adjusting TSH levels

In order to correct elevated TSH levels, a pregnant woman is prescribed hormone replacement therapy, which replenishes the lack of thyroid hormones.

Taking medications can last not only during pregnancy, but also after it. The medicine is prescribed exclusively by a doctor, because each woman requires an individual dose, which is selected based on test results.

When the concentration of the hormone is reduced, thyreostatics are prescribed, which have an inhibitory effect on the production of thyroid hormones.

Antibodies to thyroglobulin

Testing for thyroglobulin is an accessible diagnostic method autoimmune diseases at the very beginning of their development.

Thyroglobulin is a protein that is a precursor to the known thyroid hormones T3 and T4.

When a woman’s body begins to produce special protective cells – antibodies, various autoimmune diseases develop. This analysis is mandatory for pregnant women, because its concentration is a method of monitoring thyroid hormones. Due to the increased production of hormones in the first trimester, a malfunction in the body may occur expectant mother, namely antibodies to thyroglobulin will be able to diagnose the deviation at an early stage of development.

Relationship between pregnancy and TSH

Despite the fact that the normal concentration of the hormone for a woman is from 0.4 to 4 mU/l, for normal conception to occur, the level must be from 1.5 mU/l to 2.5 mU/l. A sharp decrease in TSH is observed in early pregnancy, so it can also be used to diagnose successful conception.

Deviations from the norm may cause a lack of a positive result. And if pregnancy occurs with disturbances in the concentration of the hormone, pathologies in the development of the fetus may occur, for example, growth retardation, pathology of the thyroid gland or pituitary gland will occur.

In addition, in women who suffer from disturbances in the secretion of TSH, spontaneous abortion in the early stages.

During pregnancy, many indicators can tell about the state of health of the mother and fetus.

One of the particularly important tests that is mandatory in the first trimester is the TSH test.

The abbreviation refers to thyroid-stimulating hormone, which is actively produced by the thyroid gland. Quite often, in expectant mothers, TSH is elevated. This phenomenon can be either normal or pathological.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone is extremely important for the normal functioning of the thyroid gland.

It is produced by the pituitary gland and is closely related to the hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) - formed exclusively under the influence of TSH.

However, when hormones reach a certain threshold, they begin to suppress the production of TSH. The reverse process starts. For the normal functioning of all body systems, an optimal balance of the hormones described above is necessary.

An invariable companion of pregnancy is human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Its content in the blood begins to actively increase almost from the first hours after conception. Since the embryo is not able to independently synthesize the hormones T3 and T4, it receives them from the mother. Under the influence of hCG, the thyroid gland begins to actively release these hormones, which leads to a decrease in TSH.

Such processes occur especially actively in the first trimester. Further, as growth slows down hCG level The TSH level begins to rise slightly. Each period has its own hormone level.

In the first trimester, the normal value is 0.4 – 2.5 mIU/l; in subsequent trimesters, the norm is slightly higher and amounts to 0.4 – 4.0 mIU/l. The data given is valid for Russia. In European and American countries, doctors use other indicators that are somewhat different from ours.

When conducting tests and interpreting their results, it is necessary to take into account that each laboratory may have its own standards. They are usually indicated in the notes.

Elevated TSH during pregnancy

TSH is elevated during pregnancy - what does this mean? Despite the fact that a low TSH is considered normal during pregnancy, in some cases a slight increase may be observed. This is due to many reasons:

1. A woman may have had some problems with her thyroid gland before pregnancy. In this case, deviations from the norm in all hormonal indicators are possible.
2. Hormones are interconnected. Certain organs are responsible for the production of their specific type. If there are disturbances in the functioning of certain body systems, changes in the hormonal background may occur, as a result of which the TSH level increases. Thus, an increase in thyroid-stimulating hormone may depend not only on the hormones T3 and T4, but also on other indicators.
3. Hormonal levels are closely related to a woman’s mental state. An increase in TSH can be observed during high emotional stress and stress.

Thus, a deviation of this hormone from the norm is not always a reason for panic. However, caution should be exercised to avoid adverse effects on the fetus.

A pregnant woman should definitely consult an endocrinologist. You also need to undergo additional tests and be attentive to any changes in your health.

Alarming symptoms of elevated TSH

What is dangerous about elevated TSH during pregnancy? Normal functioning of the mother's thyroid gland is very important for the development of the child, especially in the first trimester.

It is during this period that all the basic systems of the baby’s body are formed.

In this regard, the TSH test is performed one of the first during pregnancy. This allows you to start the necessary treatment on time.

A significant increase in the hormone level may indicate dangerous changes in the mother’s body and the risk of congenital pathologies in the fetus. A cause for alarm is an excess of the TSH norm by 2.5 - 3 times. Most often, this indicates weakened thyroid function (hypothyroidism). After additional tests, a pregnant woman is usually prescribed treatment in the form of taking synthetic hormones. If hormonal levels are not normalized in time, a high TSH level during pregnancy can lead to problems with mental and mental development child.

In addition, a deviation of the hormone from the norm may indicate the following health problems in the mother:

• gestosis;
• dysfunction of the adrenal glands;
• pituitary tumor;
• cholecystectomy.

If the TSH level is increased several times during pregnancy, appropriate studies must be prescribed to identify the cause of deviations from the norm.

Planning a pregnancy is an important step in a woman’s life. At this stage, it is important to undergo basic tests to monitor the condition of the body. An important test is donating blood for TTT. Follow this link to find information about normal hormone levels when planning pregnancy, and also learn what to do if there is a deviation from the norm.

Symptoms of elevated TSH

TSH levels affect the functioning of many body systems. A change in its indicators affects the general well-being of the pregnant woman. Some symptoms of increased thyroid-stimulating hormone are quite difficult to distinguish from the first manifestations of pregnancy in the early stages.

These are:

• weakness;
• feeling of slight malaise;
• high fatigue;
• decreased physical activity;
• slow thinking;
• decreased body temperature;
• apathy;
• absentmindedness;
• loss of appetite.

All these phenomena can be observed in a woman in the early stages due to a general change in hormonal levels. This is why many pregnant women often do not realize that their TSH levels are abnormal before taking tests.

However, there are some distinctive signs that indicate increased levels of the hormone. They can be observed with a significant deviation of TSH from the norm. It is in these cases that there are risks for the mother and fetus.

A pregnant woman experiences a slight lump in the neck area. It appears due to an increase in the volume of the thyroid gland. Such changes occur due to the fact that the organ cannot cope with the normal production of the hormones T3 and T4. Also, due to a general change in hormonal levels, a pregnant woman experiences a significant weight gain. In the first trimester, a woman should gain only a few kilograms. If the weight gain is more than 6 kilograms, then this is quite an alarming signal.

If a pregnant woman detects one or more of the described symptoms, in combination with elevated TSH, additional studies are carried out and the necessary treatment is prescribed.

An increase in TSH is quite common in pregnant women. It can be either normal or pathological. Only the attending physician can make a correct diagnosis based on the analysis data and prescribe appropriate treatment.

During pregnancy, a restructuring of a woman's entire hormonal system occurs, including the endocrine system. Therefore, it is important to monitor your thyroid hormone levels. and symptoms of deviations - this is the subject of the next article.

What are the reasons for the increase in thyroid hormone, we will consider in the material.

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