Thyroid Disorders Are Significant in Pregnancy

Merck-initiated international research conducted by YouGov found insufficient understanding of the effects of thyroid disorders on fertility and mother-infant health.

  Researchers presenting results at the 12th International Thyroid Awareness Week (ITAW) state: "Thyroid disorders do not only affect pregnancy. Complications can develop in a mother who previously had no thyroid disorder, and she may give birth to a baby with thyroid dysfunction." 1.6 billion people worldwide are at risk of thyroid dysfunction. 60 percent of those with thyroid disease remain undiagnosed, and one in eight women experience thyroid-related problems at some point in their lives. Merck, a leading science and technology company, shared results of international research revealing insufficient understanding of the potential effects of undiagnosed thyroid disease on fertility, fetal development, and mother and infant health. Results of the research initiated by Merck and conducted by YouGov, which "demonstrates the need for greater public awareness on this topic," were announced at the 12th International Thyroid Awareness Week held 25-31 May, themed "Mother and Infant." Through a campaign carried out with the International Thyroid Federation and ThyroidChange, Merck aims to raise awareness. The common point of comments made by International Thyroid Federation President Ashok Bhaseen and ThyroidChange founding partner Denis Roguz regarding findings from research conducted 24 March-6 April 2020 with a total of 7,208 participants from 6 countries (Chile, China, Colombia, Indonesia, Mexico and Saudi Arabia) is as follows: This research demonstrates the need for improved education regarding the effects of unmanaged thyroid dysfunction on fertility and mother and infant health. According to research results, only one quarter of participants (24 percent) are aware that undiagnosed thyroid dysfunction can cause fertility problems. 48 percent are aware that hypothyroidism (reduced thyroid function) can cause complications for mother and baby during pregnancy. Researchers emphasize that more women need to have their thyroid hormone levels screened with a thyroid function test panel, and more doctors need to have guidance on optimal thyroid hormone levels during pregnancy.

"Mother and infant are affected by thyroid hormone deficiency"

Prof. Dr. Sait Gönen, Faculty Member of the Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases at Cerrahpaşa Medical School, whom we consulted for his views on the subject, shared the following information while drawing attention to the importance of the thyroid for mother and infant health during pregnancy: "Thyroid diseases in general occur 2-4 times more frequently in women than men. When a woman without a known thyroid problem becomes pregnant, iodine requirement increases due to pregnancy-specific hormonal changes and increased metabolic need. Particularly in cases of thyroid hormone deficiency that had been tolerable before pregnancy due to autoimmune thyroiditis but reach significant proportions with pregnancy as iodine requirement increases by nearly 50 percent, both mother and baby are affected. A drop in T4 levels causes an increase in TSH. Especially in the first four months of pregnancy, during the organ formation stage, the baby requires maternal thyroid hormone intensively for both physical and intellectual development. This can negatively affect the baby's intellectual development. Because of these adverse effects, a woman with hypothyroidism must definitely receive treatment before pregnancy." Prof. Dr. Sait Gönen explained what should be done after the decision to become pregnant: "When the decision to become pregnant is made, thyroid function tests should be measured immediately after the end of menstruation, and medication dosage must be adjusted. After pregnancy occurs, TSH should be measured at the 8th, 12th and 20th weeks of pregnancy. Particularly in the second half of pregnancy, medication dose may need to be increased. One month after increasing the medication dose, ST4 and TSH measurements are performed and follow-up continues. If hypothyroidism is detected for the first time during pregnancy, treatment should be started immediately, and ST4 and TSH measurements should be repeated in the first month of treatment for dose adjustment."

International Thyroid Awareness Week Theme: "Mother and Infant"

Merck Turkey Board Chairman and General Manager Şehram Zayer stated: "As a company, from the beginning of life and throughout life we strive to increase the quality of human life and meet unmet patient needs. Our goal is to make treatments available to medicine that will improve patients' quality of life and meet patient needs both in our country and throughout the world. Thyroid dysfunction is a frequently seen problem worldwide, particularly in women. The pregnancy and postpartum period creates thyroid disease risk for both mothers and babies. As Merck, we produced one of the world's first fertility treatments in the field of fertility treatment. As a company that has helped bring more than 2.5 million babies into the world, we value mother and infant health. Thyroid dysfunction, which puts fertility and mother-infant health at risk, can be treated if diagnosed. In the International Thyroid Awareness Week, now in its 12th year, we are working to increase awareness on this topic through a campaign themed "Mother and Infant."

Results of international research initiated by Merck and conducted by YouGov are as follows:

• Fewer than half of participants (48 percent) are aware that it is very important for optimal thyroid hormone levels to be monitored throughout pregnancy in pregnant women.
• Only one quarter of participants (24 percent) are aware that undiagnosed thyroid dysfunction can cause fertility problems.
• 48 percent of research participants are aware that hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland) can cause complications for mother and baby during pregnancy.
• Only one quarter of participants (26 percent) are aware that mothers who previously had no thyroid problems can begin experiencing thyroid-related problems within the first year after giving birth.
• Fewer than half of participants (45 percent) know that congenital hypothyroidism testing (underactive thyroid function at or before birth) should be performed to detect if newborns (one month old or younger) are born with an insufficiently developed thyroid gland and will require treatment.