A study published in the journal Thyroid found that subclinical hypothyroidism diagnosed before 21 weeks of pregnancy is linked to a fourfold higher risk of overt hypothyroidism or thyroid replacement therapy within 5 years after delivery. This condition, affecting up to 1 in 4 pregnant individuals, can lead to serious symptoms like fatigue and heart issues. Higher levels of thyroid antibodies and thyroid-stimulating hormone increase the risk of hypothyroidism post-pregnancy. However, diagnosing hypothyroxinemia before 21 weeks of pregnancy does not increase this risk. The study highlights the importance of monitoring thyroid function during pregnancy for the long-term health of mothers and children.
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