Thyroid Problems in Recurrent Miscarriages

Among the recognized causes of recurrent miscarriages are undiagnosed or poorly controlled health conditions in the mother. Undiagnosed thyroid disease is one such problem linked to miscarriage in some studies. Given that the symptoms of thyroid disease are often less than obvious, many women with recurrent miscarriages wonder whether they might have an untreated thyroid condition.

Thyroid Antibodies and Their Role in Miscarriage

Thyroid disease is actually a category of different problems rather than a single entity. There's a lot of mixed information as to which can be a factor in miscarriages. Here's what UpToDate, an online reference site for doctors and patients, has to say:

"Some studies have reported an increased rate of fetal loss in women with high serum thyroid antibody concentrations (thyroid peroxidase or thyroglobulin), including those who are euthyroid. Thyroid autoimmunity has also been related to unexplained infertility and implantation failure. Direct evidence of causality, however, is still lacking and conflicting data have also been reported. Poorly controlled thyroid disease (hypo- or hyperthyroidism) is associated with infertility and pregnancy loss. Excess thyroid hormone increases the risk of miscarriage independent of maternal metabolic dysfunction."

If you're at risk for thyroid disease, your doctor will probably look more closely at your thyroid hormone levels. Uncontrolled hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism do appear to be linked with miscarriages, and because these conditions can be treated with medication, it's worth consulting a doctor if you think you might be at risk.

Screening and Treatment for Thyroid Conditions

If you feel you have symptoms of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, ask your doctor about testing. The testing process usually consists of simple blood tests. You should also tell your doctor if you had hyperthyroidism that was cured by radioactive iodine treatment or surgical removal of the thyroid. Your body still makes antibodies that can affect your baby's thyroid.

The treatment varies by the condition, but usually, the treatment for hypo or hyperthyroidism consists of medication to replace thyroid hormones or reduce excess hormone levels, respectively. The medications are safe during pregnancy.

If you have severe hyperthyroidism, your doctor may treat you with antithyroid medications such as propylthiouracil in the first three months of pregnancy. Methimazole may be used instead as it has fewer side effects but it is slightly more likely to cause serious birth defects. Often, changes in the production of antibodies during pregnancy means that women don't need antithyroid medications by the third trimester.

Other Chronic Diseases Linked to Miscarriage

Uncontrolled diabetes, kidney disease, and lupus are a few examples of chronic diseases that might mean a higher risk of miscarriage when not managed. But normally, moms who have those diseases have other symptoms—miscarriages aren't usually the first sign that there's a problem (but see your doctor if you think you have other symptoms). There's some suspicion that undetected celiac disease might play a role in recurrent miscarriages, but no proof at this time. Antiphospholipid syndrome is a usually silent condition that is found in about 15 percent of women with recurrent miscarriages, and chances are that your doctor will recommend testing for antiphospholipid antibodies if you have had three or more miscarriages.