Does Hashimoto's thyroiditis affect pregnancy?

Written by Li Hui Zhi

Endocrinology

Updated on September 27, 2024

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Hashimoto's thyroiditis, it is a type of autoimmune disease. Some people might have normal thyroid function, while others may develop hypothyroidism. Therefore, if someone with Hashimoto's thyroiditis plans to become pregnant, it is essential to test thyroid function before pregnancy. For patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, we recommend that the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) should be controlled below 2.5 mIU/L before suggesting pregnancy, as this can prevent potential impacts on the fetus's intelligence.

Other Voices

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Written by Chen Xie

Endocrinology

48sec

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Can Hashimoto's thyroiditis be cured?

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune thyroiditis where the body itself has autoantibodies that lead to the destruction of thyroid follicular cells, resulting in the failure of thyroid cells. Therefore, Hashimoto's thyroiditis can manifest as hyperthyroidism, euthyroidism, and hypothyroidism. Ultimately, Hashimoto's thyroiditis may develop into hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is proliferative and generally cannot be completely cured, but clinical remission can be achieved through oral administration of levothyroxine. However, Hashimoto's thyroiditis cannot be completely cured and requires lifelong replacement therapy.

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Written by Li Hui Zhi

Endocrinology

40sec

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Can Hashimoto's thyroiditis heal itself?

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease that varies in severity. If a patient merely has elevated antibodies but normal thyroid function, there is no need for treatment; regular thyroid function monitoring is sufficient. If a patient has Hashimoto's thyroiditis combined with reduced thyroid function, they should visit an endocrinology specialist and timely supplement thyroid hormones. Therefore, it cannot be categorically stated whether it can be cured or not; it depends on the severity of the condition. Some patients, if their thyroid function is normal, need only monitor their thyroid function.

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Written by Tang Zhuo

Endocrinology

55sec

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How is Hashimoto's thyroiditis caused?

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is a chronic autoimmune disease and is the most common type of thyroiditis clinically. Its etiology is primarily immunological, as Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder. Therefore, patients can detect a high concentration of anti-thyroid antibodies through blood tests, such as anti-thyroglobulin antibodies and anti-microsomal antibodies. Additionally, genetic factors are involved, with about 50% of patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis having a family history. Environmental factors, including radiation, infections, excessive dietary iodine, and selenium deficiency, can also lead to Hashimoto's thyroiditis. In recent years, the incidence of Hashimoto's thyroiditis has notably increased.

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Written by Li Hu Chen

Imaging Center

52sec

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Ultrasonic manifestations of Hashimoto's thyroiditis

Under ultrasound observation, Hashimoto's thyroiditis generally presents as a diffuse enlargement of the thyroid, often symmetrically, although there are cases of unilateral enlargement as well. Additionally, the surface of the thyroid appears irregular and nodular. The ultrasound often reveals uneven echogenicity in the gland, sometimes with nodular changes and unclear boundaries. However, the ultrasonographic characteristics of Hashimoto's thyroiditis are not particularly specific unless it's a typical case of the disease, which can be roughly diagnosed via ultrasound. For atypical or early cases of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, diagnosis typically requires thyroid function tests, known as the "thyroid function six-item test," which remains the gold standard for diagnosing Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

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Written by Chen Li Ping

Endocrinology

1min 18sec

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Hashimoto's Thyroiditis Clinical Symptoms

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is the most common clinical type of thyroiditis, with over 90% occurring in women. The typical clinical presentation involves middle-aged women with a long disease duration. The thyroid is diffusely, painlessly, and mildly to moderately enlarged, with a tough texture, slow development, possibly slight tenderness, local compression in the neck area, and no significant general symptoms, often accompanied by a feeling of discomfort in the throat. Thyroid enlargement is the most prominent clinical manifestation of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, usually of moderate size and diffuse, which can be asymmetrical. Therefore, thyroid enlargement can potentially compress the trachea, esophagus, and recurrent laryngeal nerve, although this is relatively rare. Thyroid pain and touch sensitivity are also rare. In the later stages, the condition may progress to primary hypothyroidism due to destruction of the thyroid. Most patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis have normal thyroid function, but 20% of patients may show signs of hypothyroidism.