Thyroid disease in women tests. The thyroid is a small gland in the front of the neck. The thyroid makes hormones called T3 and T4 that regulate how the body uses energy. Thyroid hormone levels are controlled by the pituitary gland, which is a pea-sized gland in the brain. It makes thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), which triggers the thyroid to make thyroid hormone. In thyroid disease the immune system makes antibodies that damage thyroid cells and interfere with their ability to make thyroid hormone. Over time, thyroid damage can cause thyroid hormone levels to be too low. This is called an underactive thyroid or
Thyroid disease in pregnancy levels are above 10 mU/L. Long-term follow up is necessary due to the risk of permanent hypothyroidism. Nearly all the women with PPTD have positive TPO antibodies. This marker can be a useful screening test in early pregnancy as 50% of women with antibodies will develop thyroid dysfunction postpartum. In addition some but not all studies have shown an association between PPTD and depression so that thyroid function should be checked postpartum in women with mood changes. Thyroid disease in pregnancy Thyroid disease in pregnancy can affect the health of the mother as well as the child before and after