What causes elevated thyroxine levels in pre-pregnancy thyroid screening?
In general, elevated thyroid hormone levels found during pre-pregnancy examinations may be caused by excessive iodine intake, hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, goiter, or thyroid adenoma. If any discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Excessive Iodine Intake
Prior to a pre-pregnancy check-up, consuming large amounts of iodine-rich foods such as kelp and nori may temporarily elevate thyroid hormone levels in the body, typically without obvious accompanying symptoms. It is recommended to moderately reduce intake of iodine-rich foods and adjust dietary habits to maintain a balanced diet.
2. Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a condition caused by excessive secretion of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland. Elevated thyroid hormone levels lead to increased metabolic activity and sympathetic nervous system excitation, which may result in elevated thyroid hormone levels detected during pre-pregnancy screening. Symptoms may include anxiety, insomnia, and others. It is recommended to follow medical advice and use medications such as methimazole tablets, propylthiouracil tablets, or levothyroxine sodium tablets for treatment.
3. Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease that may damage thyroid tissue and cause functional abnormalities in pregnant women, leading to elevated thyroid hormone levels during pre-pregnancy exams. Common symptoms include fatigue and muscle pain. Treatment under medical supervision may include levothyroxine sodium tablets, selenium yeast tablets, and prednisone acetate tablets.
4. Goiter
If multiple benign nodules develop in the thyroid gland of a pregnant woman, they may cause goiter. These nodules can autonomously secrete thyroid hormones, resulting in elevated thyroid hormone levels during pre-pregnancy testing. This condition is often accompanied by symptoms such as neck lumps and difficulty swallowing. It is recommended to seek treatment at a reputable hospital, where procedures such as total thyroidectomy or subtotal thyroidectomy may be performed under a physician’s care.
5. Thyroid Adenoma
Thyroid adenoma may be triggered by oncogene expression. These tumors can autonomously produce thyroid hormones, leading to elevated thyroid hormone levels in pre-pregnancy screenings. Common symptoms include difficulty swallowing and hoarseness. It is recommended to visit a qualified hospital for surgical treatments such as conventional thyroidectomy or minimally invasive surgery under professional medical guidance.
During pregnancy, it is advisable to avoid spicy and raw cold foods in daily diet to prevent bodily discomfort.