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Symptoms of an under-active thyroid (hypothyroidism) may include:

Ø A general sense of lethargy that is difficult to shake off,

Ø Feeling cold (even in quite warm weather),

Ø Weight gain,

Ø Heavy periods which tend to be irregular or lack of periods altogether.

Thyrotoxicosis and hyperthyroidism: Impact on fertility

Effects of increased thyroid hormone in pregnancy

This condition, also called thyrotoxicosis or simply hyperthyroidism, can affect pregnancy in a number of ways. These may include:

Ø Miscarriage

Ø Death of the fetus in the womb

Ø Premature delivery

Ø Growth restriction

Ø Fetal hyperthyroidism.

What is Graves' disease?

Graves’ disease is a variant of hyperthyroidism or excessive production of thyroid hormone. It is actually the most common cause of hyperthyroidism in pregnancy. It is associated with antibodies which cause or stimulate the production of excessive thyroid hormone. The antibodies can cross over to the fetus to cause the same effect there.

Graves’ disease is named after the 19th century Irish physician Robert Graves. It is also known as Graves-Basedow disease in acknowledgement of another doctor Karl Adolph von Basedow of Germany who also described the condition around the same time.

Suspecting an over-active thyroid (hyperthyroidism)

Again, it is difficult for the individual herself to suspect the condition. This is because the symptoms are non-specific. They may include weight loss (or inability to gain weight), increased appetite, palpitations, sleep disturbances, tremors of the hands and sweaty palms.

Most cases of hyperthyroidism are discovered before the affected woman has conceived and therefore most of the affected women are already being treated when they become pregnant.

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