A study of Thyroid Function test and Lipid Profile in Pregnancy

Abstract

Pregnancy is known to create profound changes in the body. It causes hormonal changes in the body
which may lead to changes in lipid profile. TSH levels are usually suppressed due to very high levels
of Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) during the first half of the pregnancy. Thyroid dysfunction may
result in various changes in triglycerides, phospholipids, cholesterol and other lipoproteins. Dyslipidemia, a
consequence of thyroid dysfunction, generally increases the risk for cardiovascular disease.
The study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry, MMC&RI, Mysore. 100 women with a
singleton pregnancy irrespective of parity and gravida were enrolled and cases like chronic hypertension,
Diabetes mellitus, Renal Disorders and Thyroid Disorders, Obstetric and Foetal Complications (Hydrops
foetalis, congenital foetal anomalies) were excluded from the study. Blood was analysed for thyroid and
lipid profile.
Conclusion: T3, T4 and TSH levels are within normal range during pregnancy. There is a positive correlation
between TSH levels and cholesterol. This suggest that regular TSH and cholesterol estimation is very
important during pregnancy to reduce the maternal and fetal complications.