Endocrine Complications: Pregnancy and the Thyroid Drugs and the Thyroid

Question 1

What does hCG (Human chorionic gonadotrophin hormone) do?

Answer 1

First trimester stimulates Progesterone estradiol, and free estriol with human placental lactogen

Question 1

What metabolic changes are seen in pregnancy?

Answer 1

• Increased erythropoetin, cortisol, noradrenaline
• High cardiac output
• Plasma volume expansion
• High cholesterol and triglycerides
• Pro thrombotic and inflammatory state
• Insulin resistance

Question 2

When is thyroid synthesised in fetus’?

Answer 2

• Fetal thyroid follicles and thyroxine synthesis occurs at 10 weeks
• Axis matures at 15-20 weeks
• Maternal T4 0-12 weeks regulates neurogenesis, migration and differentiation then fetal T4

Question 3

How does hCG affect the thyroid gland?

Answer 3

hCG supresses TSH as the molecules are similar