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Thyroid April 3, 2026 8 min read
Thyroid Disorders in Pregnancy: What Every Clinician Should Know
Screening thresholds, trimester-specific TSH ranges, and the safe use of levothyroxine — a practical brief for junior residents.
MM
Dr. Marufa Mustari
Endocrinologist
Untreated hypothyroidism during pregnancy is associated with miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, and impaired neurodevelopment. Yet the condition remains under-screened in many primary care settings.
Trimester-specific TSH reference ranges matter. A TSH of 3.5 mIU/L, unremarkable outside pregnancy, warrants attention in the first trimester.
Levothyroxine is safe, and dose requirements typically increase by 25–30% early in gestation. Adjust proactively rather than reactively.
Postpartum thyroiditis affects roughly 5% of women and is often missed. Ask about fatigue, mood, and palpitations at the six-week visit.
“Screening thresholds, trimester-specific TSH ranges, and the safe use of levothyroxine — a practical brief for junior residents.”
— Dr. Marufa Mustari
#thyroid#endocrinology#clinical-notes
MM
Written by
Dr. Marufa Mustari
Endocrinologist and academic clinician, writing on diabetes, thyroid, reproductive endocrinology, and medical education for residents and students.