The Effect of Toxic Thyroid Gland on Women Who Suffer from it in Reproductive Age View PDF

*Faeza A Fakhry
Department Of Public Health And General Practice, Al-Nahrain University, University Health Centre, Al-Nahrain University, Iraq, Iraq

*Corresponding Author:
Faeza A Fakhry
Department Of Public Health And General Practice, Al-Nahrain University, University Health Centre, Al-Nahrain University, Iraq, Iraq
Email:faezaadel62@gmail.com

Published on: 2020-03-02

Abstract

Thyroid disease is a common condition in the reproductive medicine setting due to the complex interplay between the hypothalamo-pituitary axis and the thyroid gland. Abnormalities in thyroid function, including hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, can have an adverse effect on reproductive health and result in reduced rates of conception, increased early pregnancy loss, and adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. There is increasing evidence for the role of autoantibody in sub fertility and early pregnancy loss, even in euthyroid women. Evidence suggests that treating thyroid disorders and keeping thyroid-stimulating hormone levels at the lower end of normal in euthyroid women may improve conception rates in sub fertile women and reduce early pregnancy loss.The main objective of this study is to assess the toxic thyroid gland on women’s reproductive health, to identify the toxic thyroid gland upon women in reproductive age.

Keywords

Effect; Toxic Thyroid Gland; Women; Reproductive Age

Introduction

The thyroid is a common pathological condition that affects the reproductive system of women due to complex interactions between the pituitary and thyroid gland. Abnormalities in thyroid function, including hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, can have an adverse effect on reproductive health and result in reduced rates of conception, increased early pregnancy loss, and adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes, the overactive and insufficient gland activity1during pregnancy causes problems for both mother and child [1]. Thyroid disease is the second most common endocrine disorder after diabetes in pregnancy. Research has shown that thyroid Volume increases by 10% in enough quantities, and approximately 20-40% increases in countries with iodine deficiency. Thyroid hormone production increases by about 50% during pregnancy and with a total increase of daily iodine requirements [2]. Thyroid hormones are essential for the early stages of development, and in addition the play a role in maintaining normal pregnancy and the development of the fetus, particularly its brain [3]. There is potential problems in the case of thyroid dysfunction, which are the responsibility of the child, which include pre-eclampsia, prematurity and congenital abnormality [4]. Age-related physiological changes in the thyroid functions in the elderly. The most common of these changes is hypothyroidism. If the risks and complications are not treated, signs of these changes appear, including hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, nodules, and thyroid cancers [5]. Age of older women with hyperthyroidism the symptoms are like two-thirds of those of younger women: tremors, anxiety, palpitations, weight loss and heat intolerance [6]. Symptoms and signs of older women, such as fatigue, weakness, constipation, dry skin and cold intolerance, is like symptoms of hypothyroidism it may be misdiagnosed due to other diseases or side effects of some medicines [7].

Methodology

The subject of the study was to take 100 samples of woman for reproductive age between 15-45 years by designing questionnaire forms dealing with several aspects of toxic thyroid gland. And its impact on women in the consulting clinic of AL- Alwiya Teaching hospital and Medical city hospital to give her an educational program to follow the correct scientific advice. The questionnaire form was consisting of4 main parts: Demographic characteristics, Reproductive health sides, Laboratory side and Disorder sides. The data were collected by using interview method and self-report techniques with study participants. The data were collected by using interview method and self-report techniques with study participants after obtaining permission from each of them according to the inclusion criteria. Descriptive Statistics: frequencies, percentages, association tables, and inferential statistics, such that [Chi-Square test for testing the independency, Binomial test for testing two categories nominal scale, statistical hypothesis based on C.C.) Contingency's Coefficient test.

Statistical Analysis Methods

Statistical data analysis approaches were used in order to analyze and assess results of this study which classified in two parts, descriptive statistics, such that tables observed frequencies, percentages, association tables, and inferential statistics, such that [Chi-Square test for testing the independency, Binomial test for testing two categories nominal scale, statistical hypothesis based on (C.C.) Contingency's Coefficient test.

Results And Discussion

The study showed that the highest percentage85% at age group25?? 45years (table 1),85%years of marriage are ranging between

Table 1: Descriptive Statistics of Socio-Demographical Characteristics variables for studied women.

SDCv.

Groups

No.

Cum.Percent

Women's age

15

3

3

20

12

15

25

18

33

30

12

45

35

23

68

40-45

32

100

Mean ± SD

34.01 ± 7.77

Marriage years

< 5

28

23.3

5-9

43

59.2

10-14

34

87.5

15 >

15

100

Mean ± SD

14.06 ± 7.86

Educational level for Husband

Illiterate

7

7

Read write

21

28

Primary

29

57

Intermediate

20

77

Secondary

11

88

Diploma or Bachelor’s

11

99

Master or Ph.D

1

100

Educational level for wife

Illiterate

11

11

Read write

18

29

Primary

38

67

Intermediate

17

84

Secondary

9

93

Diploma or Bachelor’s

7

100

Occupation for Husband

Working

96

96

Non work

4

100

Occupation for wife

Working

6

6

Housekeeper

94

100

Residency

Urban

69

69

Rural

31

100

Socio-Economic Status

Low

83

83

Moderate

17

100

High

0

100

The highest percentage 55% for the ratio of the number of pregnancies to the group (Table 2), 40% for number of living children, 52% for number of stillbirths who had applicable are focused at only one, 61% for menstrual irregularity (Table 2), 75% who had high and moderate menstrual amount (Table 2),15% who assigned having abnormal fetal weight, 10%who are assigned given birth to a child with fetal birth defect, 32% who are assigned of having high blood pressure & preeclampsia during pregnancy,18% who are assigned problems with placenta and caused bleeding during pregnancy,22% who are assigned of having postpartum uterine bleeding, 18% who are assigned of given birth to a handicapped child in neural and cognitive development (Table 2).

Table 2: Distribution of reproductive health sides with comparisons significant.

Reproductive Health Sides

Groups

No.

Cum.

Percent

C.S. (*)

P-value

Number of pregnancies

Non-Applicable

8

8.0

χ2 = 3.563

P=0.312 (NS)

1-2

19

27.0

3-4

27

54. 0

5-6

28

82. 0

≥ 7

18

100. 0

Number of abortions

Non

51

51

χ2 = 52.204

P=0.000  (HS)

1-2

40

91

3-4

7

98

≥ 5

2

100

Number of living children

Non-Applicable

13

13

χ2 = 19.989

P=0.000 (HS)

1-2

29

42

3-4

33

75

5-6

19

94

≥ 7

6

100

Number of stillbirths

Non-Applicable

13

13

χ2 = 113.54

P=0.000  (HS)

0

70

83

1

15

98

2

2

100

Menstrual regularity

Regular

39

39

χ2 = 22.733

P=0.000  (HS)

Irregular

61

100

Menstrual amount

Large

41

41

χ2 = 35.280

P=0.000  (HS)

Moderate

34

75

Little

25

100

Normal or abnormal fetal weight?

Non-Applicable

13

13

χ2 = 22.733

P=0.000  (HS)

Normal

72

85

Abnormal

15

100

Have you given birth to a child with fetal birth defect?

Non-Applicable

13

13

P=0.000  (HS)

Yes

10

23

No

77

100

Have you experienced high blood pressure during pregnancy?

Non-Applicable

13

13

P=0.008  (HS)

Yes

32

45

No

55

100

Have you experienced preeclampsia?

Non-Applicable

13

13

P=0.000  (HS)

Yes

4

17

No

83

100

Have you had problems with the placenta and caused you bleeding during pregnancy?

Non-Applicable

13

13

P=0.000  (HS)

Yes

18

31

No

69

100

Have you experienced postpartum uterine bleeding?

Non-Applicable

13

13

P=0.000  (HS)

Yes

22

35

No

65

100

Have you given birth to a handicapped child in neural and cognitive development?

Non-Applicable

13

13

P=0.000  (HS)

Yes

18

31

No

69

100

Where: (*) HS: Highly Sig. at P<0.01; S: Sig. at P<0.05; NS: Non-Sig. at P>0.05; Testing based on One-Sample Chi-Square test, and Binomial test.

86% “Have you performed the T3, T4, and TSH" (Table 3), 53% of studied subjects were registered high level of analysis preceding tests, 63% of studied subjects are doing sonar examination for the thyroid gland, among them were only 6 and 9.5% had a positive result, 44% of suited subjects were overweight, 42% of them were under weight, 96% of studied patients were recorded high rapid heartbeat (Table 3).

Table 3: Distribution of studied laboratory sides with comparisons significant.

Laboratory Sides

Groups

No.

Cum. Percent

C.S. (*) P-value

Have you performed the T3, T4, and TSH?

Yes

86

86

P=0.000 (HS)

No

14

100

If yes, was the result of the analysis low, high, or normal?

Non-Applicable

14

14

χ2 = 38.673

P=0.000 (HS)

Low

27

41

High

53

94

Normal

6

100

Have you done a sonar examination for the thyroid gland?

Yes

63

63

P=0.012 (S)

No

37

100

If yes, was the test positive or negative?

Non-Applicable

37

37

χ2 = 16.880

P=0.000 (HS)

Pos.

6

43

Neg.

57

100

Are you overweight or underweight?

Overweight

44

44

χ2 = 22.733

P=0.000 (HS)

Under weight

42

86

Normal weight

14

100

Do you have a slow or rapid heartbeat?

Low

1

1

χ2 = 176.78

P=0.000 (HS)

High

96

97

Normal

3

100

Where: (*) HS: Highly Sig. at P<0.01; S: Sig. at P<0.05; NS: Non-Sig. at P>0.05; Testing based on One-Sample Chi-Square test, and Binomial test.

Relative to subject "Women's Age", studied sample are focused at the elderly age groups, bounded (25-45) years, and they are accounted 85(85%) with mean and standard deviation 34.01, and 7.77 yrs. respectively, then followed by subject of "Marriage years", which shows that studied sample are focused at the first three groups, bounded (<5-14) yrs., and they are accounted 85(85%) with mean and standard deviation 14.06, and 7.86 yrs. respectively. Levels of education concerning husband shows that most of them has low educated levels, since cumulative percent are accounted 77(77%) for those who graduated intermediate school, as well as result shows low educated levels concerning studied women, since the cumulative percent are accounted 84(84%) for those who graduated up to intermediate school. Most of studied husband are reported working status, and they are accounted 96(96%), while only 6(6%) are working concerning of studied morbid women. In addition to that, studied cases which were selected from urban residents recorded 69 (69%). Finally, result shows that "Socio-Economic Status" accounted through applying of WHO instrument, which consists of several components such that, occupation, education levels, crowding index, and a particular property (House ownership, possession car, available of specific requisite materials). Three social and economic levels represented by the preceding contents (Low, Moderate, and High). Vast majority of studied sample had low evaluated, and they accounted 83(83%), and the leftover had moderate, and accounted 17 (17%).

The  shows observed frequencies, cumulative percentages of studied "Reproductive Health Side", such that "Number of pregnancies, Number of abortions, Number of living children, Number of stillbirths, Menstrual regularity, Menstrual amount, as well as asking about: Normal or abnormal fetal weight ?, Have you given birth to a child with fetal birth defect ?, Have you experienced high blood pressure during pregnancy?, Have you experienced preeclampsia ?, Have you had problems with the placenta and caused you bleeding during pregnancy ?, Have you experienced postpartum uterine bleeding ?, and Have you given birth to a handicapped child in neural and cognitive development?", with comparisons significant, to explore behavior of studied reproductive health sides either they are randomly or none randomly distributed comparing with their an expected outcomes, which showed significant differences at P<0.01, except the number of pregnancies, since no significant different at P>0.05 are accounted between the observed frequencies distribution in light of their expected distribution.

Relative to subject of "Number of pregnancies", studied sample are focused mostly at the second, and third groups, and they are accounted 55(55%). Results shows that "Number of Abortions", recorded vast majority with who had one or two times, and they accounted 40(40%). Number of living children are focused mainly at the second, and third groups, and they are accounted 52(52%), then followed by the number of stillbirths for who had applicable are focused at only one and are accounted 15(15%). menstrual irregularity from a total sample formed 61(61%). Among studied sample, 75(75%) who had high and moderate menstrual amount, and who assigned having abnormal fetal weight are 15(15%). 10(10%) percent who are assigned given birth to a child with fetal birth defect. 32(32%) percent who are assigned of having high blood pressure during pregnancy. 32(32%) percent who are assigned of having preeclampsia. 18(18%) percent who are assigned problems with placenta and caused bleeding during pregnancy. 22(22%) percent who are assigned of having postpartum uterine bleeding. 18(18%) percent who are assigned of given birth to a handicapped child in neural and cognitive development.

Table 3 shows observed frequencies, cumulative percentages of studied " Laboratory Sides", through asking several equations, such that " Have you performed the T3, T4, and TSH ?, If yes, was the result of the analysis low, high, or normal ?, Have you done a sonar examination for the thyroid gland ?,If yes, was the test positive or negative ?, Are you overweight or underweight ?, and Do you have a slow or rapid heartbeat ?" with comparisons significant, to explore behavior of studied reproductive health sides either they are randomly or none randomly distributed comparing with their an expected outcomes, which showed significant differences at P<0.01, except of asking about doing a sonar examination for the thyroid gland, since significant different at P

Relative to subject of asking "Have you performed the T3, T4, and TSH", 86(86%) their answers came in the affirmative. 53(53%) of studied subjects were registered high level of analysis preceding tests. 63(63%) of studied subjects are doing sonar examination for the thyroid gland, and among them were only 6(9.5%) had a positive result. 44(44%) of suited subjects were overweight, and 42(42%) of them were under weight. 96(96%) of studied patients were recorded high rapid heartbeat.

Table 4 shows the descriptive statistics regarding impact of diseased on the studied of pregnant women which consist 15 items, such that "Frequencies, and percentages, Mean of score, Standard deviation, Relative sufficiency", as well as comparisons significant.

Table 4: Summary Statistics and distribution of disease's impact on the studied patents with comparisons significant.

Impact of the disease

Resp.

No.

%

MS

SD

RS

C.S. (*)

Do you feel very tired in the body?

Yes

97

97

1.03

0.17

0.97

H

P=0.000

HS

No

3

3

Do you feel cold, dry skin or puffiness in the face?

Yes

86

86

1.14

0.35

0.86

H

P=0.000

HS

No

14

14

Do you feel sweating and intolerance of heat?

Yes

96

96

1.04

0.20

0.96

H

P=0.000

HS

No

4

4

Do you feel palpitation and heart tremors?

Yes

94

94

1.06

0.24

0.94

H

P=0.000

HS

No

6

6

Do you suffer from insomnia?

Yes

92

92

1.08

0.27

0.92

H

P=0.000

HS

No

8

8

Do you suffer from constipation?

Yes

68

68

1.32

0.47

0.68

H

P=0.000

HS

No

32

32

Do you suffer from eye disorder?

Yes

84

84

1.16

0.37

0.84

H

P=0.000

HS

No

16

16

Do you suffer from depression?

Yes

90

90

1.10

0.30

0.90

H

P=0.003

HS

No

10

10

Do you suffer from a failure in perception and lack of focus?

Yes

86

86

1.14

0.35

0.86

H

P=0.000

HS

No

14

14

Have you been fainted?

Yes

49

49

1.51

0.50

0.49

M

P=0.920

NS

No

51

51

Do you have osteoporosis?

Yes

76

76

1.24

0.43

0.76

H

P=0.000

HS

No

24

24

Do you suffer from heart disease?

Yes

43

43

1.57

0.50

0.43

M

P=0.194

NS

No

57

57

Do you have immune system disorders?

Yes

72

72

1.28

0.45

0.72

H

P=0.000

HS

No

28

28

(*) HS: Highly Sig. at P<0.01; S: Sig. at P<0.05; NS: Non-Sig. at P>0.05; Evaluation Grades [ High: H; Moderate: M; Low: L]; Testing based on Binomial test.

Results indicated highly significant differences are accounted at P0.05.

Table 5 shows the descriptive statistics regarding an overall evaluation of disorder sides, and personal style side, according to studied items in admixed form, such that "grand mean of score (GMS), pooled standard deviation (PSD), and evaluated grade".

Table 5: Distribution of an overall disorder sides with Comparisons Significant.

Main Domain

No.

GMS

PSD

EvaluationGrade (*)

Disorder Sides

100

1.29

0.16

0.71

H

Results indicated that highly evaluation are accounted for disorder sides, and according to that it could be conclude that studied subjects are suffered resulted due to their thyroid gland morbidity.

To find out relationships for an overall evaluation of disorder side, and SDCv. concerning studied women, table (6) consists of a contingency coefficient and their significant levels.

Table 6: Relationships between an overall evaluation of disorder sides, and SDCv. of studied subjects.

SDCv.

Disorder Sides

C.C.

P-value

Women Age

0.201

0.519 (NS)

Marriage years

0.387

0.093 (NS)

Educational level of wife

0.158

0.769 (NS)

Occupation for wife

0.029

0.769 (NS)

Residency

0.128

0.197 (NS)

Socio-Economic Status

0.089

0.374 (NS)

(*) S:Sig. at P<0.05; NS:No Sig. at P>0.05; Statistical hypothesis based on (C.C.) Contingency's Coefficient test.

Results shows that relationships between overall evaluations of medical information, and SDCv. are reported no significant at P>0.05, and accordance with preceding results, it could be concluding that studied questionnaire concerning disorder sides of woman could be generalize on the studied population even though differences with studied subjects of socio-demographical characteristics variables. Mohlin E, et al. (2013), found that there is no age or gender relationship in diagnosing toxic thyroid disease[8]. Krassas GE et al. (2005), stated that the overactive thyroid gland leads to menstrual disturbances, hormones, and nutritional, and therefore cause disorder in the menstrual cycle[9]. Benhadi N, et al. (2009), found that if the TSH exceeds the normal level for a pregnant woman, the risk of miscarriages, fetal and neonatal distress and preterm delivery [10]. Klein I, et al.(2001), found that hypothyroidism has direct impact on cardiovascular muscle function, for example in case of atherosclerosis, hypothyroidism is associated with a relationship in the level of serum blood lipids [11]. Lin L, et al. (2014), reported that there are antibodies to the thyroid gland that affect the association between reproductive deficiency and the results of abnormal immunological tests [12]. These tests include nuclear antibodies and the autoimmune body parts. Maitra A, et al. (2010), Costanzo LS (2010), Hampton J (2013), those are found that the less common causes in case of hyper functional (or toxic) adenoma, toxic multinodular goiter, thyroid malignancy, increased TSH from pituitary adenoma (secondary hyperparathyroidism), increased TRH (tertiary hyperparathyroidism), exogenous thyroid hormone ingestion, or thyroid damage from amiodarone toxicity, radiation, or trauma, these cause are very low [13-15]. The most common signs and symptoms in the case of hyperthyroidism include weight loss, irritability, nervousness, heat intolerance, sweating, skin flushing, tremor, and hyperreflexia. John H (2011), stated that some women who have an increase in TSH hormone lead to hypothyroidism by 5% and gives negative results to the fetus and childbirth in mothers during pregnancy, and studies indicate the prevalence of hypothyroidism clinically in women who give birth 32 weeks ago, and there is an autoimmune relationship for the thyroid gland and the harmful consequences of childbirth so that it is independent of thyroid function [16].

Conclusion

Various recent studies have shown an impairment of thyroid function during pregnancy due to hormonal changes and metabolic processes. Proper diagnosis, care and treatment of hypothyroidism for pre-pregnancy reduces the risk of complications that affect the mother and fetus for long periods, more than three fourth of the study samples their age group (25-45) years, more than three fourth years of marriage are ranging between (<5-14) years, more than three fourth are low educated levels concerning studied women for those who graduated up to intermediate school, more than three fourth their socio-economic level were low, more than half of study sample for the ratio of the number of pregnancies to the group, more than third of study sample for number of living children, more than half of study sample for number of stillbirths who had applicable is focused at only one, more than two third of study sample for menstrual irregularity, three fourth of study sample who had high and moderate menstrual amount, less than quarter who assigned having abnormal fetal weight, less than quarters who are assigned given birth to a child with fetal birth defect, more than third who are assigned of having high blood pressure &preeclampsia during pregnancy, less than quarter who is assigned problems with placenta and caused bleeding during pregnancy, less than quarter who is assigned of having postpartum uterine bleeding, less than quarter who are assigned of given birth to a handicapped child in neural and cognitive development, more than three fourth of study sample that performed the T3, T4, and TSH, more than half of study sample were registered high level of analysis preceding tests, more than two third of study samples are doing sonar examination for the thyroid gland, less than half of suited subjects were overweight, less than half of study sample were under weight, more than three fourth of study sample were recorded high rapid heartbeat.

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