When a woman finds out she’s pregnant, her body goes through a whirlwind of changes. Some are delightful, others a bit tough to handle. While many deal with familiar symptoms like nausea and fatigue, some may also notice elevated TSH levels in their pregnancy tests.
Sadly, they don’t fully understand what this means or how to cope with it. This can lead to feelings of anxiety and uncertainty. But hey, don’t worry. We are here to guide you!
In this blog, Apex Hospital – home to the best gynaecologists in Sirsa – will tell you everything you need to know about high TSH levels during pregnancy. From meaning to why levels might increase and how to spot symptoms to safest treatment options available, we will cover it all so that you can take the right steps for a healthy pregnancy journey.
What are High TSH Levels?
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that governs the work of the thyroid. Pregnancy causes hormonal swings. These can alter thyroid activity and subsequently raise the level of TSH – a sign that indicates thyroid is underactive (hypothyroidism).
Ideally, TSH must fall within a certain range (0.1 2.5 mIU/L during the first trimester and a bit more after). Going beyond it means that your thyroid is not producing sufficient hormones, which are crucial for fetal brain development and health of the mother.
Uncontrolled high TSH levels in pregnancy may lead to higher chances of pre-mature delivery or child development problems.
What Causes High TSH Levels In Pregnancy?
This problem in women can be triggered due to several reasons:
Pre-existing thyroid disorders: A history of hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s disease (an autoimmune condition that attacks the thyroid) places women at risk of increased levels of TSH during pregnancy. In case the production of thyroid hormones was already disturbed prior to conception, the increased demand of pregnancy can worsen it.
Iodine deficiency: Your thyroid requires iodine to generate hormones, even more so during pregnancy. Following a diet that’s low in iodine can result in an inadequate amount of the hormone. Causing TSH levels to rise as your body attempts to stimulate the thyroid.
Hormonal changes: Pregnancy can also trigger a surge in hormones like estrogen and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). For those unaware, these can interfere with thyroid functions. Although there is the possibility that hCG momentarily reduces TSH in early pregnancy, some fluctuation can later contribute to dysfunction of the thyroid. Resulting in higher TSH levels.
Autoimmune reactions: Some females acquire postpartum thyroiditis or have unidentified autoimmune thyroiditis where their immune system unwittingly attacks the thyroid gland. This inflammation may interfere with the production of the hormones, raising the level of TSH.
Medications or treatments: Have you been on certain fertility treatments, supplements, or medications? Sadly, they, too, can disrupt thyroid functioning. Even if you have a history of thyroid surgery or radioactive iodine therapy, you might not be able to fulfill the hormonal requirements during pregnancy.
Don’t forget to check out these resources:
10 yoga fertility poses to get pregnant
Smoking and Fertility: What are the effects?
Here’s how to reduce risks of miscarriage
Easy yoga poses to reduce anxiety and stress
Unexplained infertility: Meaning, causes, and treatment options
What are the Symptoms of High TSH Levels During Pregnancy?
Now that you are aware of the causes, it’s equally important for our readers to learn the symptoms. There’s a whole range, some subtle and easily overlooked. Others are more pronounced. Given that you will already feel tired and notice changes during pregnancy, high TSH symptoms often get dismissed as normal.
Here’s what you need to look for:
Extreme fatigue and weakness: It’s normal to feel tired during pregnancy. But when one is feeling very weak and this does not go away even after resting, there may be a problem with the thyroid gland.
Unexplained weight gain: High TSH levels slow down your metabolism. This leads to abnormal or rapid weight gain despite following a healthy diet.
Cold sensitivity and dry skin: Another known problem with this thyroid issue. Your skin may get unusually cold, dry, and flaky. In some cases, your nails may get brittle.
Muscle cramps and joint pain: Fatigued muscles may lead to stiffness, regular cramps, or weakness in other parts of your body during pregnancy.
Thinning and coarse hair: Usually, we all lose 50 to 100 strands a day. But pregnant women with high TSH levels will notice sudden changes in their hair growth cycles. Excessive shedding and dry, rough hair are some known symptoms.
Constipation: Slow bowel movements are also a classic sign of hypothyroidism. It usually aggravates bloating during pregnancy and raises TSH levels.
Memory fog and difficulty concentrating: Many ladies report forgetting some things or mental sluggishness, sometimes mistaken for pregnancy brain.
Swelling: High TSH levels during pregnancy may make your face, hands, and feet swell. That’s because excess fluid might get trapped in the tissues of these body areas.
Depression or mood swings: Hormonal imbalances can exacerbate anxiety, irritability, and low mood beyond typical pregnancy emotions.
Slow fetal Growth: Untreated high TSH may interfere with the development of the baby in severe cases. It may raise concerns like low birth weight.
What are the Best Treatments for High TSH Levels In Pregnancy?
Here’s the good news – it’s possible to treat this issue and support both maternal health and fetal development. Here are the most common and effective treatment options:
Levothyroxine
Also called synthetic thyroid hormone replacement, levothyroxine is the most common form of treatment to deal with hypothyroidism during pregnancy. It involves using T4 (a synthetic form of the thyroid hormone. Doctors will replenish the hormone level to ascertain the appropriate development of the fetus’s brain and minimize the risk to pregnancy.
Dosage is closely made dependent upon periodic monitoring of TSH.
Proper TSH monitoring and dose adjustments
The requirements of the thyroid are higher during pregnancy. And therefore, regular blood tests (after every 4-6 weeks) are pivotal. Your doctor will alter the dosage of levothyroxine as required. Especially after the first trimester, when hormone demands peak.
Iodine supplementation (if deficient)
Because iodine plays a huge role in the production of thyroid hormone, some mom-to-be might need its supplements, but only if tests prove that there’s a deficiency. Remember that excess iodine may have adverse effects on the thyroid. Therefore, you should never self-supplement without medical advice.
Dietary adjustments for thyroid support
Medication is the key to dealing with high TSH levels in pregnancy – true. And so is a balanced diet! Here’s what you should consume to quickly deal with this problem:
- Iodine-rich foods: Dairy products, eggs, and seafood are great sources of iodine.
- Selenium and zinc: Can be found in nuts, seeds, and lean meats. These support thyroid function.
- Skip goitrogens: Skip or limit raw cruciferous vegetables (kale and cabbage, for example) that can inhibit iodine absorption when consumed in excess.
Dealing With High TSH Levels in Pregnancy: Visit Best Gynaecologists in Sirsa
Above is everything you need to know about the TSH value. With proper treatment, attention, and supportive practices like yoga, most women can maintain stable TSH levels, ensuring a healthy pregnancy and baby. However, know that every pregnancy is unique, and personalized care is pivotal.
If you’re in Sisra, Haryana, just don’t leave your thyroid health to chance. Consult the best gynecologists at Apex Hospital for expert guidance and precise TSH testing. For us, your well-being and your baby’s development are our utmost priority. We will create safe treatment plans tailored to your needs.
Contact Apex Hospital today through WhatsApp or call us at 91680 3900 to schedule an appointment.
Need help with your health? Check out our departments:
