Thyroid disease in pregnancy.

Twenty-seven million Americans are affected with thyroid disease, yet over half of this population remains undiagnosed. Thyroid disease often manifests itself during the reproductive period of a woman's life and is the second most common endocrinopathy that affects women of childbearing age. The physiologic changes of pregnancy can mimic thyroid disease or cause a true remission or exacerbation of underlying disease.

Thyroid disease in pregnancy.

Maternal, fetal, and neonatal thyroid physiology are discussed. Moreover, this article serves as a review of the more common thyroid diseases that are encountered during pregnancy and the postnatal period, their treatments, and their potential effects on pregnancy.

Focus on primary care. Thyroid function and dysfunction in women.

Unlabelled: All forms of thyroid disease are more common in women. The reason for this gender predilection has not been entirely elucidated but may relate to the closely intertwined relationship between thyroid function and the female reproductive axis. Thyroid dysfunction influences both menstrual function and fertility, likely through changes in sex hormone levels, gonadotropin release, and possibly ovarian function.