What causes hypothyroidism in women during pregnancy? Learn from Best Lady Gynecologist

Thyroid Health During Pregnancy are among the most common hormonal issues women face during pregnancy. Because the thyroid gland controls metabolism, temperature, energy levels, and fetal brain development, even a small imbalance can impact a mother’s health and her baby’s growth. Expecting mothers often seek the best lady gynecologist in Kolkata to understand how thyroid hormones fluctuate during pregnancy and how timely treatment can ensure a safe, healthy pregnancy.

This comprehensive guide—based on evidence-based medical insight and women’s hormonal health expertise by Dr. Saima Javed, who is also known for her specialized approach to hormonal replacement therapy for menopause—explains everything you must know about thyroid disorders during pregnancy, their symptoms, risks, diagnosis, and management.

What should pregnant women know about thyroid disorders?

Pregnant women must know that thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and autoimmune thyroid disease can affect fetal development and pregnancy health. Early testing, timely medication, regular monitoring, and specialist care from an expert like Dr. Saima Javed, the best lady gynecologist in Kolkata, are essential for preventing complications like miscarriage, preterm birth, and developmental issues.

1 – Understanding Thyroid Function During Pregnancy

How the Thyroid Gland Works

The thyroid produces hormones—T3 and T4—that support:

• Metabolism
  
• Heart rate
  
• Temperature regulation
  
• Protein synthesis
  
• Brain development

Why Pregnancy Puts Extra Pressure on the Thyroid?

During pregnancy:

• The body requires 50% more thyroid hormones
  
• hCG stimulates the thyroid
  
• Estrogen increases thyroid-binding proteins
  
• The fetus depends entirely on the mother’s thyroid hormones until week 12
  

This makes pregnant women more likely to develop thyroid issues.

2 – Common Thyroid Disorders During Pregnancy

1. Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)

What it is:

Thyroid fails to produce adequate hormones.

Causes:

• Autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto’s disease)
  
• Iodine deficiency
  
• Prior thyroid surgery
  
• Genetics
  

Common Symptoms:

• Fatigue
  
• Constipation
  
• Weight gain
  
• Dry skin
  
• Cold intolerance
  
• Hair thinning
  

2. Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid)

What it is:

Thyroid produces excessive hormones.

Causes:

• Graves’ disease (most common)
  
• Thyroid nodules
  
• Overactive immune system
  

Symptoms:

• Weight loss
  
• Rapid heartbeat
  
• Anxiety
  
• Excess sweating
  
• Tremors

3. Postpartum Thyroiditis

Occurs within 12 months after delivery.
It can cause:

• Temporary hyperthyroidism
  
• Followed by hypothyroidism

 4. Autoimmune Thyroid Disorders

Includes:

• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
  
• Graves’ disease
  

Pregnancy can either:

• Improve symptoms
  
• Or worsen them

3 – Risk Factors for Thyroid Problems in Pregnancy

You are at higher risk if you have:

• History of thyroid disease
  
• Family history of autoimmune disorders
  
• PCOS
  
• Type 1 diabetes
  
• Prior miscarriage
  
• Goiter
  
• Previous infertility or IVF pregnancy
  
• Age over 30

4 – Symptoms to Watch For

Hypothyroidism Symptoms in Pregnancy

• Excessive tiredness
  
• Swelling in face or feet
  
• Feeling cold
  
• Loss of appetite
  
• Slow heartbeat

• Palpitations
  
• Heat intolerance
  
• Severe nausea
  
• Anxiety
  
• Weight loss
  

How Thyroid Disorders Affect the Mother?

Possible complications include:

• High blood pressure
  
• Preeclampsia
  
• Anemia
  
• Miscarriage
  
• Placental problems
  
• Postpartum hemorrhage
  

How Thyroid Disorders Affect the Baby?

Serious consequences include:

• Low birth weight
  
• Preterm birth
  
• Stillbirth
  
• Developmental delays
  
• Impaired brain development (if untreated hypothyroidism)
  

This is why early diagnosis is critical.

7 – Diagnosis & Testing

Essential Thyroid Tests in Pregnancy?

• TSH
  
• Free T4
  
• Free T3
  
• Anti-TPO antibodies
  
• Thyroid ultrasound (if needed)

When Should Testing Be Done?

• First trimester
  
• At first prenatal check-up
  
• Repeated every 4–6 weeks (if abnormal)

8 – Treatment, Diet & Lifestyle Management

Treatment for Hypothyroidism

• Levothyroxine
  
• Same-day daily dose
  
• TSH monitoring every trimester
  

Dose often increases by 30–50% during pregnancy.

Treatment for Hyperthyroidism

• Safe anti-thyroid medications
  
• Beta blockers (for severe palpitations)
  
• Regular hormone monitoring

Diet for Thyroid Health During Pregnancy

Include:

• Iodine-rich foods
  
• Milk & curd
  
• Eggs
  
• Nuts & seeds
  
• Whole grains
  

Avoid:

• Excess soy
  
• Raw cabbage
  
• Junk foods
  
• High-sugar snacks

9 – Thyroid Disorders, Menopause & Hormonal Replacement Therapy

The Thyroid–Menopause Hormone Connection

Women with thyroid disorders often face worsened symptoms during menopause:

• Hot flashes
  
• Low mood
  
• Fatigue
  
• Weight gain
  

Women often seek expert guidance from specialists in hormonal replacement therapy for menopause, especially when thyroid imbalance complicates menopausal symptoms.

How Dr. Saima Javed Helps Women Across All Stages?

As the best lady obstetrician in Kolkata, Dr. Saima Javed provides a complete hormonal evaluation and offers:

• Personalized thyroid management
  
• Guidance on pregnancy-safe thyroid treatment
  
• Tailored hormonal replacement therapy for menopause
  
• Long-term hormonal health monitoring
  

Her integrated approach ensures women feel supported in pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause.

Hypothyroidism vs Hyperthyroidism in Pregnancy

Feature	Hypothyroidism	Hyperthyroidism
Hormone Level	Low	High
Common Cause	Hashimoto’s	Graves’ disease
Symptoms	Fatigue, weight gain	Anxiety, weight loss
Risk to Mother	Preeclampsia	Heart failure (rare)
Risk to Baby	Low IQ, preterm birth	Growth restriction
Treatment	Levothyroxine	Anti-thyroid medications

10 – Why Choose Dr. Saima Javed?

Why She Is Considered the Best Lady Gynecologist in Kolkata?

• Expertise in maternal thyroid management
  
• Holistic hormonal care
  
• Excellence in high-risk pregnancy cases
  
• Advanced diagnostic approach
  
• Patient-centric counselling
  

Why Women Trust Her for Hormonal Replacement Therapy for Menopause?

• Evidence-based treatment
  
• Customized hormone plans
  
• Focus on long-term health
  
• Balanced approach to risks & benefits

Conclusion

Thyroid disorders during pregnancy are common but highly manageable with early diagnosis, regular monitoring, and expert care. With guidance from a specialist like Dr. Saima Javed, recognized as the best lady obstetrician in Kolkata, women can enjoy a safe pregnancy while also receiving support for long-term hormonal health, including personalized hormonal replacement therapy for menopause.

FAQs

Q1: What are the common thyroid disorders during pregnancy?

Hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and autoimmune thyroid disease are the most common.

Q2: What tests check thyroid levels during pregnancy?

TSH, T3, T4, and anti-TPO antibodies are essential tests.

Q3: Can thyroid problems harm the baby?

Yes, untreated thyroid issues can affect growth and brain development.

Q4: Who is the best lady gynecologist in Kolkata for thyroid issues in pregnancy?

Dr. Saima Javed is widely trusted for thyroid-related pregnancy care and hormonal expertise.

Q5: Is hormonal replacement therapy for menopause safe for women with thyroid disorders?

Yes, but it must be customized by a specialist like Dr. Saima Javed for safety and balance.