Pregnancy and Hashimoto's autoimmune thyroiditis

Abstract

Introduction: Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. As a result, inflammatory processes occur, leading to impaired hormone production. The disease is increasingly common among women of childbearing age. Consequently, fewer thyroid hormones are produced, which can lead to problems with conception, miscarriages, pregnancy complications, and premature birth.

Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate and analyze the impact of Hashimoto's autoimmune thyroiditis during pregnancy and the necessity for strict medical supervision.

Materials and Methods: A survey was conducted individually among pregnant and postpartum women (n=62) in March 2026 using a questionnaire. Methods used included documentary analysis, sociological methods, and statistical and graphical processing of the results.

Results: A high proportion of respondents indicated fatigue (85%) and anxiety (62.9%) as leading symptoms of Hashimoto's. Half of the respondents reported that their TSH levels were not monitored during pregnancy.

Conclusion: Controlling TSH levels in pregnant women is crucial for a healthy pregnancy. Regular testing and the correct dosage of levothyroxine will minimize the risks of miscarriage, preterm birth, and other complications related to pregnancy and delivery.