Joanna C. Girling

West Middlesex University Hospital, Twickenham Road, Isleworth, Middlesex TW7 6AF, UK

Introduction

Thyroid diseases are the commonest cause of endocrine dysfunction in women of childbearing age. Obstetricians will frequently see women with thyroid disease and so a good understanding of the pathophysiology of the problems and clinical management is essential. This article will outline the relevant physiological changes of pregnancy, including important aspects of foetal thyroid function, and discuss management options for the commonest causes of abnormal thyroid function in pregnancy.