Letter to the Editor: A Patient-Centered Survey-Based Assessment of Prenatal Management of Hypothyroidism for Women of Reproductive Age

Under and overtreatment with thyroid hormone replacement during pregnancy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Among pregnant women on thyroid hormone replacement therapy undertreatment is common, while overtreatment is rare. Both deficient and excessive maternal thyroid hormone have been related to adverse maternofetal and long-term offspring outcomes, although studies' results are inconsistent. This review aims to discuss recent evidence regarding the effects of under- and overtreatment with thyroid hormone replacement during pregnancy and how current practices could be improved.

RECENT FINDINGS

Whether or not thyroid hormone therapy needs to be initiated for maternal subclinical hypothyroidism remains unclear, but recent meta-analyses have confirmed associations between adverse maternal, neonatal, and offspring outcomes in both overt and subclinical hypothyroidism. Subclinical hyperthyroidism in pregnancy is related to fewer adverse outcomes. Current adherence to levothyroxine during pregnancy and medication counseling by healthcare providers are suboptimal.

SUMMARY

Undertreatment of maternal hypothyroidism may increase risks for adverse maternofetal and offspring effects more than overtreatment does. If thyroid hormone replacement therapy is indicated and initiated in pregnancy, frequent thyroid function monitoring is required to avoid under- or overtreatment. Effective communication between clinicians and patients is imperative to increase medication adherence.