Changes in thyroid hormone levels in pregnant women residing in iodine defecient areas

ABSTRACT

Aim of the Study The study was aimed at determining the association of normal pregnancies with prevalence of goiter and changes in thyroid hormone levels in women residing in iodine deficient areas of Pakistan. Material And Two hundred pregnant women were examined and their goiters were classified according WHO criteria. T3, T4, TSH and b hCG were measured during pregnancy and again after completion of pregnancy. Result: Eighty-six women returned after pregnancy for a second follow up visit and serum hormones were rechecked. Fifty% of our subjects had visible goiter. Mean and standard deviation of thyroid hormones during pregnancy were T3 180.4 +/- 30.2ng/dl, T4 14.2 +/- 2.71ug/dl and TSH 1.39 +/- 0.79 uU /ml. Post delivery levels of T3, T4 and TSH were decreased. During pregnancy there is increased thyroid binding globulin and thyroid hormone concentrations, and increased metabolism and turnover of thyroxine, the deficiency can be prevented by iodine supplementation