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Preconceptional Management of Thyroid Disease

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Thyroid Disease in Pregnancy - A Guide to Clinical Management

Abstract

Thyroid disorders are common in women of childbearing age. Accordingly, women with thyroid dysfunction who are seeking future pregnancy should have preconception counselling to review the status of their thyroid health, emphasizing improving future pregnancy outcomes. It is important to discuss the impact of thyroid dysfunction on pregnancy outcome, influence of pregnancy on thyroid disease, and the safety profile of all available therapeutic options available, including any potential adverse effects on the mother and fetus. Preconceptional care aims to optimize thyroid function and educate patients in preparation for conception. This requires a systematic approach that includes rational screening, appropriate management, and pragmatic advice. Targeted TSH screening, levothyroxine treatment of patients with serum TSH >4.0 mU/L to achieve a target TSH <2.5 mU/L in patients with hypothyroidism, and switching from methimazole to propylthiouracil before conception have been recommended.

Authors’ Contributions: KGR has drafted the book chapter. Both authors have edited and approved the final manuscript.

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Rashmi, K.G., Sahoo, J. (2023). Preconceptional Management of Thyroid Disease. In: Sagili, H., Sahoo, J., Chandrasekaran, S. (eds) Thyroid Disease in Pregnancy - A Guide to Clinical Management. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-5423-0_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-5423-0_2

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