Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that affects about 6-7% of children and 2.5% of adults worldwide.
The cause of ADHD is not entirely understood; however, researchers believe that both genetic and environmental factors play a role in its development.
One such environmental factor that may increase the risk of ADHD is maternal hypothyroidism during pregnancy. Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormone to support the body’s needs.
The thyroid gland is responsible for regulating metabolism and other bodily functions, and it plays a crucial role in the development of the fetal brain. Therefore, any disruption in thyroid function during pregnancy can potentially affect the developing brain.
What is Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is a disorder in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone to meet the body’s needs. Thyroid hormone is necessary for the proper functioning of the body.
It regulates metabolism and affects many bodily functions, including heart rate, digestion, and body temperature.
The most common cause of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune condition called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. This condition causes inflammation of the thyroid gland and damage to the cells that produce thyroid hormone.
Other causes of hypothyroidism include radiation therapy, thyroid surgery, and certain medications.
The Link Between Hypothyroidism and ADHD
Researchers have been studying the link between maternal hypothyroidism during pregnancy and ADHD in offspring.
Several studies have found that children born to mothers with hypothyroidism during pregnancy have an increased risk of developing ADHD compared to children born to mothers without the condition.
A meta-analysis of 14 studies found that children born to mothers with hypothyroidism during pregnancy were 50% more likely to develop ADHD compared to children born to mothers without hypothyroidism.
The risk was highest for children whose mothers had overt hypothyroidism (which means their thyroid hormone levels were severely low) during pregnancy.
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The Relationship Between Hypothyroidism and ADHD Risk During Pregnancy
Another study found that children born to mothers with subclinical hypothyroidism (which means their thyroid hormone levels were slightly low, but not low enough to be diagnosed with hypothyroidism) during pregnancy had a 68% increased risk of developing ADHD compared to children born to mothers without the condition.
How Does Hypothyroidism Affect Fetal Brain Development?
The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in the development of the fetal brain. The thyroid hormone is necessary for the growth and development of neurons and synapses in the brain.
Therefore, any disruption in thyroid function during pregnancy can potentially affect the developing brain.
Studies have shown that when the mother’s thyroid function is disrupted during pregnancy, the fetal brain may be affected in several ways. For example, studies have found that hypothyroidism during pregnancy may cause:.
- Abnormalities in the structure and function of the fetal brain
- Changes in the levels of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers in the brain)
- Alterations in gene expression in the fetal brain
All of these changes can potentially lead to an increased risk of developing ADHD or other neurodevelopmental disorders.
Symptoms of Hypothyroidism during Pregnancy
Hypothyroidism during pregnancy can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are often mild and similar to those of pregnancy itself. Some common symptoms of hypothyroidism during pregnancy include:.
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Depression
- Constipation
- Dry skin
- Hair loss
- Cold intolerance
- Slowed heart rate
- Irritability
If you suspect you have hypothyroidism during pregnancy, it is important to speak to your healthcare provider. They can perform a blood test to check your thyroid hormone levels and recommend treatment if necessary.
Treatment for Hypothyroidism during Pregnancy
The treatment for hypothyroidism during pregnancy is thyroid hormone replacement therapy. This involves taking a synthetic form of the thyroid hormone (levothyroxine) daily to replace the hormone that the thyroid gland is not producing enough of.
Thyroid hormone replacement therapy is safe and effective during pregnancy when prescribed at the correct dose.
In fact, when hypothyroidism is treated appropriately during pregnancy, the risk of adverse outcomes for both the mother and the fetus is reduced.
Conclusion
Maternal hypothyroidism during pregnancy is an environmental risk factor that may increase the risk of ADHD in offspring.
The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in the development of the fetal brain, and any disruption in thyroid function during pregnancy can potentially affect the developing brain. Therefore, it is essential for pregnant women to be aware of the symptoms of hypothyroidism and to seek treatment if necessary. With appropriate treatment, the risk of adverse outcomes for both the mother and the fetus is reduced.
