[Thyroid and pregnancy]

Abstract

Functional disorders of the thyroid, in particular hypothyroidism, can be the cause of reduced fertility in women. These dysfunctions may also increase the frequency of spontaneous miscarriage and/or fetal malformations. It is important to know the physiological adaptation-mechanisms of the thyroid in this special situation in order to understand and to diagnose such malformations and miscarriages. After a review of the physiology the most frequently observed thyroid disorders of mother and fetus during pregnancy are mentioned. Diagnostic methods and therapeutic measures are described. Finally a frequently misdiagnosed disorder of the thyroid, manifesting itself within the months following a delivery is presented: the postpartal thyroiditis.