MEDIA RELEASE
May 2022
‘BEFORE YOU PLAN A FAMILY, HOW IS YOUR THYROID HEALTH?’
May is the time of the year for the Australian Thyroid Foundation’s (ATF) Thyroid Awareness Month.
Recent research from The Lancet – March 2022 emphasises the consequences and risks of an inadequate amount of thyroid hormone at conception, during pregnancy and whilst breastfeeding.
‘Without an adequate amount of thyroid hormone mothers can be exposed to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including gestational hypertension and preeclampsia or eclampsia, which affect around 10% of pregnant women and are the leading causes of maternal and neonatal mortality worldwide. Mothers who suffer from hypertensive disorders during pregnancy are at increased risk of long-term cardiovascular consequences and hypertensive disorders in subsequent pregnancies. Evidence also indicates a risk of reduced cognitive ability to their offspring.
Knowing if you are genetically predisposed to Hashimoto’s or Graves’ Diseases, which are both thyroid autoimmune disorders is important to be aware of, to ensure all appropriate tests are ordered. Autoimmune disorders may predispose mothers to a thyroid problem during pregnancy, says Professor Creswell Eastman, ATF Principal Medical Advisor.’
‘Unnecessary risks to a pregnancy and the mother’s health during pregnancy and ongoing is something that can be avoided and prevented. Raising awareness and ensuring thyroid tests are ordered by GP’s, when couples are planning a family and when the pregnancy is confirmed are both essential.
As statistics show over 1 million Australians are living with an undiagnosed thyroid disorder, awareness and testing can prevent unwarranted outcomes for mothers and their babies, says ATF CEO Beverley Garside.’
Pregnancy preparation and the mother’s health during pregnancy is something that is extremely important for all families. The ATF want to ensure the best outcomes for both mothers and babies are possible through awareness and education.
For more information: May is Thyroid Awareness Month
