Hyperthyroidism in pregnancy: diagnosis and treatment

Abstract

Hyperthyroidism due to autoimmune Graves' disease is the leading cause of thyrotoxicosis in pregnant women. The peak incidence of the disease is in the second through the fourth decade of life, which encompasses the reproductive years for women. Although menstrual irregularity is frequent in women with mild to moderate hyperthyroidism, convincing evidence that fertility is impaired is lacking. In general, 2 of every 1000 pregnancies have been reported to be complicated by hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism associated with pregnancy may pose a challenging diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma. The current review focuses on the discussion of symptomatology and diagnosis of the disease, on therapeutic options available to women presenting with hyperthyroidism during gestation, and on the controversy surrounding maternal and fetal outcome in pregnancies complicated by thyrotoxicosis.