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What Causes High TSH Level During Pregnancy?

Posted on Sat, 26 Jul 2014

Question: Hello Sir, During 2nd month of pregnancy my wife's TSH level is at 7.49, but we failed consult during 2nd month. we consulted the doctor in the 3rd month and heard the TSH level is not in normal range. the doctor said to start the medication to control TSH level. could you please throw some light on the issues of having higher TSH level. is it normal during pregnancy? we are little nervous on this.

Thanks in advance

Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Hypothyroidism is frequently seen during pregnancy

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Namasthe
Welcome to Healthcare-Magic
Greetings of the day
Dear Mr XXXXXXX

Pregnancy is a supra physiology state with increased demand of most of the hormones. Thyroid hormone requirement is also increased , also the Co - existing Iodine deficiency causes relative deficiency of Thyroid hormone ( Thyroxine and Triiodothyronine).
Thyroid hormone is released from Thyroid gland situated in front of neck. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) which is released from pituitary gland situated in brain acts on Thyroid gland , stimulates it and causes release of Thyroid hormone. Increased level of Thyroid hormone suppresses the further release of TSH hormone by negative feedback and prevents elevation of Thyroid hormone. On the contrary decreased level of Thyroid hormone causes increase in Tsh level .

Your wife seems to be suffering from Hypothyroidism. It is not a serious condition, adequate Thyroid hormone replacement with aim to normalise tsh is all that is required to prevent hypothyroidism in fetus.

Do get back to me if you need any further assistance, will be glad to assist you.

Take care
Best regards
Dr Deepak XXXXXXX
MBBS, MS, MCh

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (6 hours later)

Hello Sir,

Thanks for the detailed answer. The worry is that we failed to get attention on this very late. Blood test was done1 month back, but we are going to have the medication from today. Would this delay of 1 or 2 months have any negative impact on my baby? I am much worried about this.

Please also let us know the food supplements to overcome from this situation.

Thanks, XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Hypothyroidism should be corrected at earliest

Detailed Answer:
Greetings
Good morning

Dear Mr XXXXXXX

Ideally when Hypothyroidism is detected, Thyroid hormone supplement have to be started at earliest. Correcting hypothyroidism even after 1 month will still be helpful. Delayed correction may cause more chances of neonatal goitre in baby.
I assume Thyroxine hormone has been started. Consuming Iodized salt is all that is required.

Do get back to me if you need any further assistance, will be glad to assist you.

Take care
Best regards
Dr Deepak

Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar