TSH 5 4 in a pregnant woman. TSH during pregnancy: norm (1 trimester), indicators, deviations and interpretation. Alarming symptoms of elevated TSH

A blood test for TSH concentration is one of the first laboratory tests that a future mother will have to undergo. The norms of TSH during pregnancy differ from the usual indicators for women. Depending on the trimester, there is a physiological (not associated with diseases) change in the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone. It is important to know about normal TSH levels in pregnant women in order to identify deviations in the work of the endocrine system in time, which can adversely affect the health of the mother and child.

What does TSH affect?

Many girls who have never previously contacted an endocrinologist first get acquainted with the abbreviation TSH in the first trimester of pregnancy or at the stage of its planning. Before you find out what indicator of this substance should normally be in a pregnant woman, it is worth knowing what TSH is and what is its importance for the body.

TSH stands for "thyroid stimulating hormone". This is an important link in the metabolic system, which stimulates the production of thyroid hormones. TSH belongs to the group of glycoproteins and is produced by cells of the adenohypophysis. By controlling the functions of the thyroid gland, the substance stimulates the synthesis of triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). These hormones are responsible for energy metabolism in the body, regulate the production of retinol and protein synthesis, affect the functions of the reproductive organs and the gastrointestinal tract, affect tissue growth, the functioning of the cardiovascular and central nervous systems, the state of the organs of vision and hearing.

In the early stages of pregnancy, the fetus does not yet have the ability to independently synthesize the vital hormones of the endocrine glands, therefore, it receives them from the mother's blood. To prevent complications and pathologies, pregnant women need to monitor the state of the thyroid gland. A planned analysis prescribed by a doctor for a period of 6-8 weeks, as well as laboratory tests at a later date, conducted according to indications, will help to establish the concentration of TSH in the body.

In a healthy person, the level of TSH rises to the maximum during a night's sleep, decreases in the morning, and reaches a minimum by the end of the working day. A blood test for the content of this hormone is carried out in the morning, on an empty stomach. The amount of TSH in plasma not only helps to assess the state of the endocrine system of a pregnant woman, but also acts as a significant marker for assessing fetal development.

How does TSH level change in pregnant women?

In a healthy person, triiodothyronine, thyroxine and TSH interact in an inverse relationship: with an increase in T3 and T4, thyrotropic hormone is suppressed. This pattern is the cause of normal physiological fluctuations in TSH during pregnancy at different stages.

If in an adult non-pregnant woman the normal level of thyrotropic hormone is 0.4–4.0 mU/l, then during pregnancy the norm is in the range from 0.1 to 3 mU/l. In addition, there are TSH norms during pregnancy by trimesters.

1 trimester - a period when the intensive formation of triiodothyronine and thyroxine is actively influenced by the "pregnancy hormone" - chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). At this time, the developing body of the baby is not yet able to produce its own T3 and T4. This means that their only source is the maternal endocrine system. Under the influence of hCG, there is an energetic increase in T3 and T4, and under their influence, the level of thyrotropic hormone decreases. The norm of TSH during pregnancy in the early stages is reduced to 0.2-0.4 mU / l. By 12–16 weeks, this figure increases.

2 trimester - the time of intensive growth of internal organs in the fetus. By this time, the fetus has already formed the main elements of various body systems, including the endocrine system. In the second trimester of pregnancy, the baby already has its own thyroid gland and the process of hormone production is gradually improving. At this time, the hormonal background changes in pregnant women: the amount of thyroxine and triiodothyronine decreases, and the concentration of thyrotropic hormone increases. Its indicator differs from the TSH index in the first trimester and is 0.3-2.8 mU / l.

In the 3rd trimester, TSH norms in pregnant women approach the general values ​​​​and amount to 0.4–3.5 mU / l.

According to the level of TSH, the norm in women during pregnancy varies not only depending on the trimester, but also on the number of fetuses. If twins or triplets are expected, thyroid-stimulating hormone in pregnant women can drop to almost zero.

Even if there is only one fetus, a slight decrease or increase in TSH is considered a physiological norm and in most cases does not require correction. In addition, there is some discrepancy in the methods that evaluate the recommended level of TSH during pregnancy.

The table of TSH parameters used in Russia during pregnancy contains the following data on the concentration of thyrotropic hormone in the blood plasma:

  • I trimester - 0.2-0.4 mU / l;
  • II trimester - 0.3-2.8 mU / l;
  • III trimester - 0.4–3.5 mU / l.

In the US, TSH hormone and weekly pregnancy correlate somewhat differently, and lower levels are considered normal.

A high level of thyrotropic hormone, especially in the first 12-16 weeks, is a sign of trouble and requires a detailed examination. But even if the indicator increases slightly, and the pregnancy is proceeding normally, the gynecologist may prescribe an additional consultation with an endocrinologist. The specialist will adequately assess the concentration of the TSH hormone and, if necessary, advise the appropriate treatment.

Deviations from the norm

Excessively low or high TSH during pregnancy is dangerous for the unborn baby. Such a violation of the hormonal background of the expectant mother can provoke unpleasant consequences:

Spontaneous abortion;

Early separation of the placenta;

premature birth;

Malformations of the fetus.

An analysis for the determination of TSH should be administered to all expectant mothers. Women who are about to become pregnant but have thyroid health problems need to have their hormone levels checked and adjusted before conception.

High TSH

If the content of thyrotropic hormone in the body is several times higher than normal, hypothyroidism develops. With this pathology, the work of the thyroid gland is suppressed, and the body does not synthesize vital hormones in the amount necessary for the health of the woman and the normal development of the fetus. Exceeding TSH levels may be a sign of tumor neoplasms of the thyroid gland or pituitary gland. Other causes of an increase in TSH are malfunctions of the adrenal glands, inflammation of the thyroid gland, and late toxicosis.

In the early stages, hypothyroidism may be asymptomatic. With the development of pathology, disturbances in the body become noticeable and may pose a threat to carrying a pregnancy:

Pregnancy with elevated TSH is complicated by anemia;

There are swelling of the face, organs of the respiratory system and hearing;

The organs of the gastrointestinal tract react to hypothyroidism by impaired digestion and intestinal motility, decreased appetite and nausea. The liver may increase (hepatomegaly develops);

With high TSH, the work of the heart and blood vessels is disturbed: blood pressure decreases, the pulse becomes rare, and circulatory failure develops.

The woman's condition is complicated by the metabolic-hypothermic syndrome: the normal body temperature drops, the pregnant woman suffers from chilliness. Increased TSH during pregnancy affects the appearance of the expectant mother: hair and nail growth is disturbed, skin becomes thinner and dry. Changes in the central nervous system are manifested by drowsiness, distracted attention, increased irritability, memory loss. As a result of metabolic disorders, obesity develops. A sudden change in weight, in turn, can cause gestational diabetes, which is determined using a screening test for glucose tolerance at 24-28 weeks of pregnancy.

Is treatment required if TSH is elevated during pregnancy? With slight fluctuations from the recommended values ​​(up to 4 mU / l) and the normal content of free T4 hormone, the correction is not justified.

If in the first trimester the level of TSH exceeds the recommended index, qualified medical care is needed to normalize the level of thyrotropic hormone. If its concentration in the mother's body is not reduced in time, the child risks not receiving the substances necessary for the full development of the endocrine system. The consequence may be an early involuntary termination of pregnancy or the occurrence of pathologies in the fetus.

Correction of the hormonal background with high TSH should be prescribed by an endocrinologist after a detailed examination. Thyroxine preparations are used as drugs - L-thyroxine, levothyroxine, eutiroks. If TSH is elevated during pregnancy, which is accompanied by endocrine diseases diagnosed before conception, a woman needs constant monitoring by a specialist.

Low TSH

Is it worth worrying if the TSH hormone during pregnancy is determined in the blood plasma at a concentration of less than 0.2 mU / l? In the first trimester, a decrease in TSH is a physiological phenomenon caused by an increase in hCG levels. In this case, specific therapy is not required: by 12–16 weeks, the indicators independently increase to a normal level - 0.3–2.8 mU / l. The doctor's task is to distinguish a natural decrease in TSH from pathological thyrotoxicosis, which develops under such conditions:

Functional autonomy (FA) of the thyroid gland;

Diffuse and multinodular toxic goiter;

Artificial hyperthyroidism caused by excessive intake of hormonal drugs.

The modern approach to the management of pregnant women with low TSH levels involves active surveillance tactics. The doctor monitors the dynamics of changes in the hormonal background and prescribes treatment in the absence of a pronounced tendency towards its normalization.

Plays a big role. It is known that with the onset of pregnancy in the maternal body, the functions of almost all organs change. These adjustments are adaptive in nature and are aimed at creating optimal conditions for the development of the baby. Of course, the endocrine system is no exception. So, a change in the quantitative composition of thyroid hormones is simply necessary for the normal course of pregnancy. The level of the TSH hormone during pregnancy shows how the baby develops in the womb - normal or with deviations.

The norm of TSH during pregnancy and why it is examined

Determination of the level of the hormone TSH during pregnancy is included in the mandatory list of studies. But if a woman had problems with the thyroid gland, as well as previous pregnancies had an unfavorable outcome, then an analysis for TSH in this case should be done at the planning stage. The fact is that this hormone clearly responds to any changes that occur with the thyroid gland. This is due to one of the rules of endocrinology, the so-called principle of negative feedback. Its essence lies in the fact that if the level of T3 and T4 increases during pregnancy, then naturally the level of the “guiding” hormone TSH over them decreases, and vice versa. Thus, knowing the TSH indicators during pregnancy, one can generally judge the function of the entire gland. TSH values ​​obtained by ELISA are considered normal for a pregnant woman, ranging from 0.24 to 2.5 μIU / ml. This is the norm of the TSH hormone during pregnancy. And, despite its fluctuations at different stages of pregnancy, these figures should normally not go beyond the indicated boundaries.

Effects of thyroid hormones on pregnancy

The thyroid gland produces triiodothyronine and thyroxine, or more simply T3 and T4. The pituitary gland controls the activity of the gland and the level of its hormones. In its anterior lobe, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is produced, and it stimulates the secretion of T3 and T4 in the thyroid gland. With the blood flow, they enter almost all cells of the body and affect their activity. Hormones regulate the processes of cell reproduction. And their main function is to maintain and regulate basal metabolism. Thus, exerting their action at the cellular level, thyroid hormones are necessary for the functioning of absolutely all human organs and systems. But how does TSH affect pregnancy? During pregnancy, hormones stimulate the corpus luteum, thereby helping to keep the pregnancy in the early stages. Like the effect on the mother's body, under their control, all organs of the fetus, including its brain, are formed and mature. Seeing such a significant effect of TSH on pregnancy, it becomes clear why it is so important that their level at the planning stage and during pregnancy be normal .

TSH when planning a pregnancy

It is a mistake to assume that the level of TSH for the onset of pregnancy is not at all important. As already mentioned, thyroid hormones have an effect on all organs in a woman's body. And of course, their importance for the reproductive system is very important. Low T3 and T4, and, accordingly, an increased level of TSH during pregnancy planning lead to a violation of metabolic processes in the ovaries. They disrupt the processes of maturation of the follicles, the egg and the development of the corpus luteum. All this leads to the fact that a woman has problems with the onset of pregnancy. That is why in case of infertility, the level of TSH is necessarily examined. In cases of its deviation from normal values, the endocrinologist must find out the cause and prescribe the appropriate treatment. The optimal TSH rate when planning pregnancy is the average TSH levels (about 1.5 μIU / ml).

TSH levels during pregnancy

In order to understand how and why TSH changes normally, it is worth understanding what happens to the thyroid gland during pregnancy. From the first weeks, increased blood supply to the thyroid gland causes an increase in its activity. The most important stimulant of the gland in the first trimester is human chorionic gonadotropin. Under its action, the function of the organ increases by almost one and a half times, thereby increasing the level of T3 and T4 produced by it in the blood. Now, knowing the principle of negative feedback, it becomes clear that the level of TSH is decreasing. And if TSH is lowered during pregnancy in the first trimester, then this is considered the norm. And if we are talking about multiple pregnancies, then so much hCG is produced that the TSH level is close to zero. Then, by the end of the 12th week, the amount of hCG in the blood of a pregnant woman decreases, which means that its activating effect on the thyroid gland decreases. This leads to the fact that the analysis of TSH during pregnancy shows an increase in the level of the hormone, but everything is also within the normal range indicated above. With the progression of pregnancy, the level of hCG decreases, but estrogen, on the contrary, increases. They, in turn, stimulate the formation of T3 and T4 carrier proteins, and there is a relative decrease in their blood levels. Inactive, bound hormones cause an increase in TSH. Thus, from the end of the first trimester and by the end of pregnancy, thyroid-stimulating hormone increases, but again, without going beyond the permissible limits.

Low TSH during pregnancy

It would seem that the normal level of TSH in the first trimester of pregnancy decreases, but still its indicators do not reach zero. If the thyroid-stimulating hormone is reduced to almost zero, then most likely we are talking about the development of thyrotoxicosis in a pregnant woman. Also in favor of the disease in a pregnant woman is the fact that she has a pronounced tachycardia during pregnancy - more than 100 beats per minute. Bulging eyes characteristic of thyrotoxicosis are noted in half of the cases. And finally, in the case of a physiological decrease in TSH, it normalizes by the end of the first trimester, and with thyrotoxicosis it remains sharply reduced. Thyrotoxicosis is dangerous for the development of miscarriage against its background. Also, its frequent companions are preeclampsia, placental abruption, fetal growth retardation and malformations. To confirm thyrotoxicosis, it is necessary to contact an endocrinologist as soon as possible and start treatment with thyreostatics. Those. too low a TSH level during pregnancy is dangerous for the fetus and requires immediate treatment.

High TSH during pregnancy

But increased TSH during pregnancy can be when T3 and T4 are reduced. This occurs with iodine deficiency, when the production of thyroid hormones is disrupted and compensatory TSH increases. Therefore, it is very important for all pregnant women to take

During pregnancy, a lot of indicators can tell about the health of the mother and fetus.

One of the most important tests, which is mandatory in the first trimester, is the TSH test.

The abbreviation refers to thyroid-stimulating hormone, which is actively produced by the thyroid gland. Quite often, in expectant mothers, TSH is elevated. This phenomenon can be both normal and pathological.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone is extremely important for the normal functioning of the thyroid gland.

It is produced by the pituitary gland and is closely related to the hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) - formed exclusively under the influence of TSH.

However, when the hormones reach a certain threshold, they begin to suppress the production of TSH. The reverse process starts. For the normal functioning of all body systems, an optimal balance of the above hormones is necessary.

The constant companion of pregnancy is human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Its content in the blood begins to grow actively almost from the first hours after conception. Since the embryo is not able to independently synthesize the hormones T3 and T4, it receives them from the mother. Under the influence of hCG, the thyroid gland begins to actively release these hormones, which leads to a decrease in TSH.

Such processes are especially active in the first trimester. Further, as the growth of hCG levels slows down, the TSH indicator begins to rise slightly. Each period is characterized by its own indicator of the hormone.

In the first trimester, the normal value is 0.4 - 2.5 mIU / l, in the subsequent trimesters the norm is slightly higher and is 0.4 - 4.0 mIU / l. The given data is valid for Russia. In Europe and America, doctors use other indicators that are somewhat different from ours.

When conducting analyzes and deciphering their results, it must be borne in mind that each laboratory may have its own standards. They usually indicate in the notes.

Elevated TSH during pregnancy

TSH is elevated during pregnancy - what does it mean? Despite the fact that a reduced TSH is considered normal during pregnancy, in some cases a slight increase may be observed. This is due to many reasons:

  1. A woman could have had some disturbances in the functioning of the thyroid gland even before pregnancy. In this case, deviations from the norm for all hormonal indicators are possible.
  2. Hormones are interconnected. Certain bodies are responsible for the development of a specific type of them. With violations in the work of some body systems, shifts can occur in the hormonal background, as a result of which the level of TSH increases. Thus, an increase in thyroid-stimulating hormone may depend not only on the hormones T3 and T4, but also on other indicators.
  3. The hormonal background is closely related to the mental state of a woman. An increase in TSH can be observed with great emotional stress and stress.

Thus, the deviation of this hormone from the norm is not always a reason for panic. However, caution should be exercised to avoid adverse effects on the fetus.

A pregnant woman must definitely consult an endocrinologist. You also need to pass additional tests and be attentive to any changes in well-being.

Alarming symptoms of elevated TSH

What is dangerous elevated TSH during pregnancy? The normal functioning of the mother's thyroid gland is very important for the development of the child, especially in the first trimester.

It is during this period that all the main systems of the baby's body are laid.

In this regard, the analysis for TSH is carried out one of the first during pregnancy. This allows you to start the necessary treatment on time.

A significant increase in the hormone may indicate dangerous changes in the mother's body and the risk of congenital pathologies in the fetus. The cause for alarm is the excess of the TSH norm by 2.5 - 3 times. Most often, this indicates a weakening of the function of the thyroid gland (hypothyroidism). After additional tests, a pregnant woman is usually prescribed treatment in the form of taking synthetic hormones. In the event that the hormonal background is not normalized in time, a high TSH during pregnancy can lead to problems with the mental and mental development of the child.

In addition, a hormone deviation from the norm may indicate the following health problems in the mother:

  • preeclampsia;
  • dysfunction of the adrenal glands;
  • pituitary tumor;
  • cholecystectomy.

If the level of TSH during pregnancy is increased several times, appropriate studies must be prescribed to identify the cause of the deviations from the norm.

Planning for pregnancy is an important step in a woman's life. At this stage, it is important to pass basic tests to monitor the state of the body. An important analysis is blood donation for TTT. At this link you will find information about the normal values ​​​​of the hormone when planning a pregnancy, and also learn what to do if there is a deviation from the norm.

Symptoms of elevated TSH

The level of TSH affects the functioning of many body systems. A change in its indicators affects the general well-being of a pregnant woman. Some symptoms of an increase in thyroid-stimulating hormone are quite difficult to distinguish from the first manifestations of early pregnancy.

These are:

  • weakness;
  • feeling of slight malaise;
  • high fatigue;
  • reduced physical activity;
  • slow thinking;
  • decrease in body temperature;
  • apathy;
  • distraction of attention;
  • loss of appetite.

All these phenomena can be observed in a woman in the early stages due to a general change in hormonal levels. That is why many pregnant women are often unaware of the deviation of the TSH level before taking tests.

However, there are some distinguishing signs that indicate elevated levels of the hormone. They can be observed with a significant deviation of TSH from the norm. It is in these cases that there are risks for the mother and fetus.

A pregnant woman has a slight seal in the neck. It appears due to an increase in the volume of the thyroid gland. Such changes occur due to the fact that the body cannot cope with the normal production of the hormones T3 and T4. Also, due to the general change in the hormonal background, a pregnant woman has a significant weight gain. In the first trimester, a woman should gain only a few kilograms. If the weight gain is more than 6 kilograms, then this is a rather alarming signal.

If a pregnant woman has one or more of the symptoms described, in conjunction with an elevated TSH, additional studies are carried out and the necessary treatment is prescribed.

An increase in TSH is quite common in pregnant women. It can be both normal and pathological. Only the attending physician can correctly diagnose based on the analysis data and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

During pregnancy, the entire hormonal system of a woman is restructured, including the endocrine system. Therefore, it is important to monitor the levels of thyroid hormones. and symptoms of deviations - this is the subject of the next article.

What are the reasons for the increase in thyroid hormone, we will consider in the material.

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Elevated thyrotropin during pregnancy is the most discussed topic in social networks by women. Is high TSH as dangerous as they say? And how severe are the consequences?

First of all, you need to figure out what TSH is and what this hormone plays in a woman's body. The TSH hormone is synthesized in the pituitary gland and is a regulator of the activity of the thyroid gland, contributing to the synthesis of the hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine. Hormones T3 and T4 are formed due to the influence of TSH. As soon as the rate of T3 and T4 rises, TSH production decreases. The harmonious synthesis of TSH, T3 and T4 contributes to the healthy functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, nervous and cardiovascular systems, and the endocrine system.

TSH during pregnancy. Increase symptoms

Already at the stage of pregnancy planning, women take a blood test for TSH, when pregnancy occurs, an analysis for TSH, T3 and T4 is mandatory.

A slight increase in the rate of thyrotropin during pregnancy is considered acceptable, but with such indicators, the gynecologist will definitely refer to the endocrinologist for an objective assessment of the condition of the pregnant woman.

Signs to watch out for:

  • seals on the neck;
  • overweight;
  • constant fatigue;
  • inability to concentrate;
  • depression;
  • indifference;
  • insomnia;
  • constipation;
  • constant nausea;
  • swelling;
  • pale skin.

The norm of thyrotropin in pregnant women

The synthesis of thyrotropin during the period of bearing a child has its own characteristics. TSH levels fluctuate throughout pregnancy. In the first weeks, the lowest TSH synthesis is noted. Then it gradually rises and reaches a peak in the last month of pregnancy. The norm for women carrying a child is the range from 0.2 to 4. In the first trimester, the highest titer is 3 mIU / l.

The danger of exceeding the norm of thyrotropin during pregnancy

An increased concentration of TSH during pregnancy is more dangerous for the baby. A high level of thyrotropin disrupts the physical and mental health of the baby. The most dangerous is an increased level of TSH in the first weeks of pregnancy, when all organs and systems are formed. During this period, the child's thyroid gland does not yet work independently and its development is completely dependent on the hormonal background of the mother, the mother's health may also be at risk.

A decrease in the level of thyroid function and an increased level of TSH may indicate such diseases:

  • oncology;
  • thyroiditis;
  • preeclampsia;
  • severe mental disorder;
  • cholecystectomy.

In order to preserve her and her child's health, a pregnant woman should not ignore the treatment suggested by the doctor, especially in the first weeks of childbearing.

A slight increase in TSH levels, with T4 normal, does not require any treatment, therapy is prescribed if TSH is slightly elevated, and T4 levels are low, while antibodies are elevated.

Therapy is needed if TSH is above 7, but this condition is easily corrected and is not dangerous if you take the necessary medications. Usually it is Euthyrox or Thyroxine. Treatment with iodine preparations can only be prescribed by an endocrinologist, this is not within the competence of a gynecologist. Exceeding the dosage of drugs with iodine can lead to an increase in the level of thyrotropin in pregnant women.

Among the most likely reasons for the excess of the level of TSH, endocrinologists call the intake of beta-blockers and antipsychotics, as well as resection of the gallbladder.

Treatment of high TSH in pregnant women

Treatment with synthetic thyroxine begins with minimal doses, the drug will have to be taken after childbirth. To control the hormonal level, pregnant women need to periodically donate blood for analysis.

If the condition of the pregnant woman is complicated by concomitant diseases, then the treatment will be aimed at eliminating them. High thyrotropin may be associated with the development of diseases:

  • oncology of the pituitary gland;
  • preeclampsia;
  • psychical deviations;
  • kidney failure;
  • disorders of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland.

TSH and pregnancy planning

A young woman who wants to become pregnant should be examined by an endocrinologist. The level of thyroid-stimulating hormone will not become an obstacle to the conception of a child, but can significantly affect the course of pregnancy and the health of the child.

An increase in thyrotropin means something, only in combination with other examinations.

An endocrinologist prescribes a hormone test for women who want to get pregnant if:

  • There is a pathology of the thyroid gland.
  • A woman for examination leads to the inability to become pregnant.
  • There may be symptoms associated with hormonal imbalance.

The health of the child can be planned, which means there is no need to postpone a visit to the endocrinologist for later. The revealed rate in those planning a pregnancy (from 1.5 to 2.5) suggests that no treatment is required. In pregnant women, the rates range from 0.4 to 4.

According to the deviation from the norm, it can be judged that the pregnancy will be complicated and therapeutic treatment is required. A slight deviation is corrected with iodine preparations and a special diet. With the appointment of timely treatment, problems with bradycardia, memory loss and other complications associated with an increase in TSH can be avoided.

Each organ of a girl during pregnancy directs its activity towards bearing a child. This also applies to the endocrine system.

While waiting for a child, it is difficult to observe the hormonal background that is undergoing changes. Determination of the TSH hormone is mandatory. Thyroid-stimulating hormone gives more information about the state of the female body during pregnancy.

TSH is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland. Home work TSH is to regulate the working process of the thyroid gland. Endocrinologists and gynecologists know that this hormone plays an important role in the pregnancy process. It produces triiodothyronine and thyroxine, which are growth hormones and are responsible for metabolism.

It also affects the working process of such systems as the sexual, digestive and cardiovascular. This hormone makes it possible to understand how correctly child development is carried out.

Hormone production

TSH affects the production process of other hormones that affect a woman's major body systems.

It also affects the general psychological state and mood. As soon as conception has occurred, the embryo begins to secrete the hCG hormone, thereby affecting the thyroid gland of the expectant mother. As a result, TSH is activated.

The fetus does not have the ability to create glandular hormones, so it takes them from the mother's blood. In the female body during pregnancy, a huge amount of thyroxine is released and the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone decreases. In the process of development, when the embryo becomes a fetus, it has a personal thyroid gland, the mother begins to increase TSH to a standard level. Because of what, its level is not constant during the entire pregnancy.

But there are certain limitations in the norms, and if there are deviations from the border, then this indicates a malfunction in the body of the pregnant woman and that there is a risk of a relatively normal development of the child.

The role of TSH in the body

Thyroid hormones have a strong effect on the entire body, since they are the regulator of metabolism.

  • If an excess of TSH is noted in the body, then thyrotoxicosis develops, which affects sleep disturbance, leads to nervous excitement, weight loss, an increase in body temperature and appetite.
  • If there is a deficiency of TSH, then there is a decrease in metabolism, excess fluid appears in the body, apathy, drowsiness and immunity decreases. Sometimes girls because of this may have a problem associated with the conception of a child.
  • Hypothyroidism, that is, a lack of this hormone, is of great danger, which can be both in the mother and in the child. If a mother has such a diagnosis, then in the future her child will have congenital thyroid diseases.
  • Infants with a diagnosis such as hypothyroidism may subsequently have a severe lag in absolutely all types of development. This can be corrected only if replacement therapy with L-thyroxine is done in time. If this is not done, then a five-year-old child will look like a one-year-old child.

Impact on pregnancy

TSH has a strong effect on the body during pregnancy, as it poses a danger to the fetus. Its level shows the state of the thyroid gland in the mother.

During the planning of pregnancy with the usual delivery of the hormone, you can see only a certain deviation from the norm. If you take such an analysis during pregnancy, information will be obtained about whether there is an intense working process of the gland or its invisible deficiency.

A high level of TSH may appear if the pregnant woman has an appropriate level of thyroxin, but this will still have a negative effect on the fetus due to the effect on the development of the endocrine system, and in the initial weeks on the formation.

A woman should also think about the state of her own endocrine system while planning the birth of a child. But it should be borne in mind that TSH does not affect the onset of pregnancy, but it is taken into account in combination with other tests. It is special for the prevention of developmental disorders of the child.

TSH decreases during the first trimester and then increases. Hormone levels are needed when:

  • the girl has some kind of hormonal imbalance
  • girl has thyroid disease
  • during a general examination due to infertility.

The analysis is not prescribed for healthy women.

Normal level

Sufficient production of thyroxine and triiodothyronine has an overwhelming effect on TSH, which leads to the fact that the level of this hormone decreases in the girl's blood during pregnancy.

The standard level of the hormone is within its concentration from 0.4 to 4.0 mU / l, but during pregnancy, the hormone rate is observed according to a special table.

There is also an average hormone in the range from 0.2 to 3.5 mU / l.

It is worth noting that the trimesters have the following boundaries:

  • 1 trimester - 0.1-0.4;
  • 2nd trimester - 0.3-2.8;
  • 3rd trimester - 0.4-3.5.

In some pregnant women, the level of the hormone remains unchanged.

Reasons for hesitation

The child has a personal thyroid gland only by the 10th week, but it begins to fully function only by the 15th week. After this week, the child's body will be able to produce TSH on its own.

Before 10 weeks, the baby does not need this hormone and receives only T4 from the mother. As a result, the level of TSH in the body of a pregnant girl rises, and its concentration is disturbed. As a result, at the beginning of pregnancy in the mother, it begins to decline.

After 10 weeks, the work of the children's endocrine system is being adjusted. In the second trimester, the functionality of the female body system is fully adjusted, the child begins to independently provide the necessary hormone, the mother's TSH returns to normal.

Enhanced Level

Of particular danger is the elevated level of TSH in the first trimester. This indicates that the thyroid function is impaired. In this case, the doctor prescribes the synthetic hormone thyroxine.

A high TSH level may indicate:

  • about a malfunction of the adrenal glands;
  • about gestosis;
  • pituitary tumors.

You need to understand that you need to adjust this level. Otherwise, because of this, the fetus will not receive the necessary hormones and an early miscarriage may occur, or after birth the child may have brain pathologies.

You can understand that the level of TSH is elevated by some points:

  • sleep disturbance;
  • thickening or swelling of the neck;
  • unhealthy pallor;
  • fast fatiguability;
  • inattention;
  • decrease in temperature;
  • severe weight gain or decreased appetite.

If there are such signs, then it is necessary to pass tests.

Treatment for elevated TSH

If the TSH rate during pregnancy is increased, this can lead to danger, and not to pathology. It should be understood that there is a threat even with a slight increase in the norm.

Intervention is not needed if the hormone does not exceed 4 mU / l, but free T4 is normal.

Correction must be carried out if:

  • if T4 is produced in insufficient quantities;
  • if the amount of antibody titer to TPO is increased.

To regulate the hormonal background of a pregnant woman, a hormone of synthetic origin, iodine preparations, is prescribed. Synthetic hormone will need to be consumed during all trimesters of pregnancy, but the doctor selects the dosage. Also, the doctor may cancel the drug earlier, but the level of TSH will be checked at each trimester.

Decreased TSH

A significant threat is TSH, the indicator of which is close to zero.

  • a low rate may be during multiple pregnancy;
  • a zero indicator indicates that nervous strain, hyperthyroidism, a violation of the pituitary gland and a benign tumor on the gland are possible.

In addition to the fact that a low rate can worsen the condition during pregnancy, it can have a negative effect on the baby's nervous system. A pregnant doctor prescribes a mandatory intake of drugs that are responsible for the suppression of thyroid hormones T3 and T4.

There are signs by which you can also understand that TSH is below the level:

  • persistent headaches;
  • high blood pressure;
  • hand trembling;
  • heartbeat will be more rapid;
  • body temperature will constantly be at 37 and above;
  • weight loss, lack of appropriate weight gain;
  • imbalance and nervousness.

Do not engage in self-treatment. Also, every girl should know that when planning a pregnancy, it is necessary to check for hormones and follow all the doctor's recommendations.