Hyperthyroidism and Pregnancy

Hyperthyroidism refers to excess thyroid hormone production. The diagnosis of hyperthyroidism can be challenging in pregnancy as symptoms of pregnancy and hyperthyroidism overlap and pregnancy can alter the thyroid function tests. Hyperthyroidism may adversely affect maternal and foetal outcomes in pregnancy. Early recognition and optimum management of hyperthyroidism are required in pregnancy. Gestational transient hyperthyroidism and Graves' disease are two common causes of hyperthyroidism in pregnancy. While gestational transient hyperthyroidism is usually self-limiting and does not require specific treatment, antithyroid drugs are the mainstay of therapy for hyperthyroidism due to Graves' disease during pregnancy.