Patient's question:
I would like to ask the experts. I have been taking thyroid medication for a long time. Can I get pregnant at this time? If I get pregnant, what kind of side effects will I have? Will it be harmful to the fetus? Thank you!Doctor's answer:
Hyperthyroidism is a disease caused by a disorder of the basic metabolism, and patients may exhibit symptoms such as palpitations, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, excessive sweating, heat intolerance, increased appetite, and nervousness.Women with hyperthyroidism often have menstrual irregularities and anovulation, making it difficult for them to conceive. However, not all women with hyperthyroidism are unable to become pregnant. If a hyperthyroid patient becomes pregnant, it is prone to miscarriage, stillbirth, and premature birth, with these occurrences being significantly higher than in normal women. Pregnancy can exacerbate the physiological burden on hyperthyroid patients, worsening their symptoms and the condition of the pregnant woman.
If a pregnant woman must take antithyroid medication during pregnancy, this will suppress the thyroid function of the fetus, potentially causing congenital hypothyroidism (hypothyroidism?? leading to cretinism after birth). If radioactive iodine is used to treat hyperthyroidism during pregnancy, the fetus may suffer severe consequences due to excessive exposure to radiation, and the pregnancy should be terminated.
If a pregnant woman develops hypothyroidism, the impact on the fetus is even greater than in cases of hyperthyroidism, with higher rates of miscarriage and perinatal mortality.
Pregnancy in a hyperthyroid patient is dangerous and harmful to both the mother and the baby. From the perspective of eugenics, it is advisable not to become pregnant when suffering from hyperthyroidism. Waiting until the condition is cured before attempting pregnancy is the better option.