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What is thyroid?
This butterfly- shaped gland is the largest in the neck region. The main function of thyroid gland is to produce thyroxin hormone which is useful in normal metabolism of the body. The most common problem associated with thyroid is:

Hypothyroidism: It is a situation where thyroid gland produces too little of thyroid hormone. The common symptoms are obesity, lack of interest, sensitivity to heat and cold, and memory loss.

Hyperthyroidism: In this, thyroid gland produces too much of thyroxin. The common symptoms are weight loss, abnormal heartbeat, fatigue, unusual bowel movements, nervousness, and irritability.

Other than this there is goiter, which is enlargement of the gland and tumors, which in some case are cancerous and can be treated only by removing it.

Hypothyroidism and pregnancy:
If a pregnant woman is suffering from the above given symptoms, a blood test can determine if the woman's problem is due to hypothyroidism or not. If it is, then it's perfectly safe to take thyroid hormone medications during pregnancy which help in maintaining normal thyroid level. These tests should be done throughout the pregnancy after every 2-3 months.
OR If a woman (who is not pregnant) is detected with hypothyroidism, it can decrease her chances to become pregnant as under active thyroid gland can bring changes in menstrual periods (either irregular, heavy or no periods at all). If detected, it can be treated by thyroid hormone replacement therapy.

Hyperthyroidism and pregnancy.
If detected, hyperthyroidism should be treated with proper therapy in pregnant woman as it will cut down the risk of miscarriage and birth defects. In pregnant women thyroid experts consider propylthiouracil (PTU) the safest drug. These medications reduces the the overproduction of hormones by thyroid gland.
In woman who is not pregnant, hyperthyroidism again affects the menstrual periods therby decreasing her chances of becoming pregnant or she can have miscarriages. Radioactive iodine is the main treatment in such cases, where a part of thyroid gland is destroyed to reduce the amount of thyroxin produced.

Thyroid problem, if detected and properly treated do not prevent a woman getting pregnant and she can have a happy and normal pregnancy throughout.

Learn more about this author, Milan Singhal.
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