Hypothysoidism and Pregnancy

  I have a friend who is 41 years old and has hypothysoidism. She had
  symptoms of the disease about 4 years ago and has been taking medicine
  for about a year. She is considering to have another child (She has a
  healthy child of 11 years old). My questions are: 1) Is it too risk for
  her to conceive in considering her age and the disease? 2) What kind of
  effect of the medicine will be on the un-born baby? 3) Is the baby going
  to be healthy in terms of any complications related to thysoid disease?
  Thanks a lot!
  Jian
Dear Jian:
Hypothyroidism is only a problem when it has been left untreated. Patients who are on adequate doses of replacement thryoid hormone and have measured normal levels of thryoid hormone in their blood can conceive with the same efficiency as any other woman of similar age. The hormones have no effects on the unborn child because thryoid hormones from mother do not cross the placenta. The dosage of hormone therapy may require adjustment during pregnancy.
Hypothyroidism does not in intself effect the baby: babies make their own thyroid hormones. There are types of thyroid disease that can cross over onto the baby, but these are generally related to an over-active thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
Age is important: after age 35 years, all women have an increased risk of chromosomal differences that cause congenital variations in the child. These can be recognized by ultrasound examination, blood tests and anmiotic fluid sample tests. Women over age 40 years have reduced fertility and an increased likelihood of miscarriage.
Henry Ford Health System has several Maternal Fetal Medicine physicians who have experience with patients such as your friend.
This material is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered a formal medical evaluation. If you have specific questions, please contact your primary physician.
Keywords: Hypothyroidism; pregnancy