Why is My Triiodothyronine Level Elevated During Pregnancy?
Everyone knows that after pregnancy, many changes will occur in a woman's body. Apart from changes in body shape, hormonal levels in the body also undergo changes. Therefore, when women undergo prenatal examination, some may exhibit elevated levels of triiodothyronine. Although this phenomenon is due to changes in hormonal levels, it is also considered abnormal, and pregnant women are advised to undergo further examination.
Elevated triiodothyronine during pregnancy is mainly caused by changes in various hormonal levels in the body, but it is also considered abnormal. In such cases, it is best to first visit a hospital for examination to determine if there are any other symptoms and then proceed with targeted treatment. Alternatively, antithyroid drugs can be used, which are often effective. Additionally, it is necessary to monitor the fetal growth and development daily to avoid any negative impact on the baby's health. As long as thyroid function remains within the normal range, a smooth delivery can be achieved. It is also important to rest adequately, avoid staying up late, and establish good sleep habits.
If blood tests reveal elevated triiodothyronine levels but other thyroid function indicators are normal and thyroid ultrasound shows no significant abnormalities, no special treatment is required. In clinical practice, many cases of elevated triiodothyronine are due to physiological reasons such as menstruation or emotional stress. Since thyrotropin levels are normal, no intervention is necessary.
However, if triiodothyronine levels are elevated and thyrotropin levels are low, it is necessary to consider the possibility of thyrotoxicosis. In such cases, it is important to undergo thyroid-related antibody tests and thyroid ultrasound to assess the results and determine if antithyroid treatment is necessary based on the patient's clinical manifestations.
Triiodothyronine is synthesized in thyroid follicular epithelial cells through the uptake, activation, and iodination of thyroglobulin. It is a specific indicator for diagnosing thyrotoxicosis. Elevated triiodothyronine levels can indicate thyrotoxicosis or a recurrence of thyrotoxicosis. Conversely, decreased triiodothyronine levels can be observed in hypothyroidism, simple goiter, chronic hepatitis, and cirrhosis. The concentration of triiodothyronine reflects the secretory status of the thyroid gland, with a normal reference range of 1.3-3.1nmol/L.