Preeclampsia linked to reduced thyroid function

Two new studies by researchers from the National Institutes of Health and other institution have revealed that women who experience preeclampsia, a serious complication of pregnancy, may have an increased risk for reduced thyroid functioning later in life.

In the first study, women who developed preeclampsia were more likely to have slightly reduced thyroid functioning during the last weeks of their pregnancies.

The second study found that women who had preeclampsia during their pregnancies were more likely to have reduced thyroid functioning more than 20 years after they had given birth, when compared to women who had not had preeclampsia during pregnancy.

The study authors advised physicians treating women with a history of preeclampsia to be aware that this group of patients may be at increased risk for reduced thyroid functioning.

The thyroid gland, located in the front of the throat, makes hormones that help regulate heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and the conversion of food into energy.

Reduced thyroid functioning, or hypothyroidism, results in overall weakness and fatigue and also increases the risk for cardiovascular disease.

The study appears in the British Medical Journal.