Universal thyroid screening in pregnancy ? .... stumbled across this accidentally , it might be an interesting read. ( i havent yet)

[tattybogle]

Should All Women Be Screened for Thyroid Dysfunction in Pregnancy?

Peter N Taylor, Onyebuchi E Okosieme, […], and John H Lazarus (published 2015)

journals.sagepub.com/doi/10...

[HealthStarDust]

I believe this will eventually happen and it is my hope that it will happen as part of a preconception work up of some kind.

[TSH110]

Thanks for posting, it’s a compelling argument. The paper was 2015, I’m asking why hasn’t it happened?

Another one being copied to my MP - he must think oh god it’s that mad thyroid woman again but I’m not letting up.

[arTistapple in reply to TSH110]

Presumably for precisely the same reason no other Research ends up being applied to especially hypothyroid issues. The Luddites in charge don’t want it, or at least take absolutely no responsibility for their negligence. As they are a law unto themselves, who is going to challenge them? The NHS system does no more than pay lip service to ‘cross department’ issues. It seems to me that endocrinology have no backbone when it comes to important communication with other departments/specialisms. Endocrinolgy are completely separate. Dr. Peter Taylor has done all sorts of useful research but none of it actually seems to reach patient treatment. Take his work on cholesterol. Has it changed anything? No. We still struggle as hypos to argue the statin issue without any support anywhere. Statins are totally ‘dyed in the wool’ especially in cardiology. No-one seems to be aware of his research, never mind apply it.

[TSH110 in reply to arTistapple]

It’s a shame perhaps in time his work will have an effect. As for statins - biggest con ever, a money printing machine for big pharma

[arTistapple]

It’s ‘common sense’ so clearly has no place in endocrinology.

[helvella Administrator]

I end up being unsure.

The primary reason for this being that it potentially ignores those who are not pregnant. Including those considering becoming pregnant and those having conception problems.

And the secondary issues such as exactly what testing should be done? And why not include folate and B12 - and possibly other analytes?

[HealthStarDust in reply to helvella]

Exactly.

It’s mad that thyroid testing is only considered after 3 miscarriages in the UK. Care for women’s health is frankly stupid and a lot of women end up of having preconception ‘mot’ type tests privately (there are plenty to choose from and even pharmacies around me advertise them).

All women should have access to vitamins and thyroid test as part of a preconception work up of some kind as standard to improve health outcomes.

[helvella Administrator in reply to HealthStarDust]

Even if it is not introduced as universal screening procedure, appropriate screening should be available on request. And not be something that has to be argued and justified for each and every individual.

[HealthStarDust in reply to helvella]

Absolutely. And as for on request, then it follows the general female population needs to be more aware of thyroid disease. Many of us, me included, hadn’t even heard of thyroid until diagnosis.

Hence I am leaning towards universal screening as part of preconception check up, or even every few years a bit like the smear test.

[helvella Administrator in reply to HealthStarDust]

While I agree, those who have heard of it, those who might have close relatives with thyroid issues, etc., should never have to fight for a test.

Half the time we are encouraged to look after ourselves, keep healthy, yet when we try, we hit barriers.

[HealthStarDust in reply to helvella]

That’s around 87.7% of the time.

I am imagining a future where some sort of universal screening would take some of this fighting for tests out of the equation.

[TSH110 in reply to helvella]

I had to fight for a test when I was almost dead of it and with a family history of thyroid disorder. They just gaslight you.

As for having the temerity to look after yourself - how dare you! Then every single health problem is blamed on your attempts to put right what they won’t. Victim blaming par excellence

[TSH110 in reply to helvella]

I can’t believe it’s beyond the wit of man to sort out universal testing for thyroid dysfunction in pregnant women . I thought women were monitored during their pregnancy. It’s insane if universal testing of pregnant women is actually more cost effective than not doing it or doing targeted testing. It’s a no brainer. Sadly those that could set it in train don’t appear to have the brains to effect it.

It’s muddying the waters dragging in every possible eventuality as add ons, why not just get on with it and test them?

It needs raising with MP’s, in the hope that making a lot of noise might lead to action. I’m pretty jaundiced tho I have to admit and expect nothing will be done about it. It speaks volumes about our society’s real values - it’s not women or children I’m afraid.

[TSH110 in reply to helvella]

Why not just do it? Forget everything else including the kitchen sink, which can be used as excuses to do nothing.

[Lottyplum]

I read of a link between Hashimotos+pre eclampsia+have to say, looking back, I had an awful pregnancy, vomiting for the whole time, huge weight gain, high BP, bed rest as pre eclampsia diagnosed, then emergency C section. Went slowly down hill+after nearly 5 yrs back+forth to GP, went private - Hashi diagnosed after thyroidectomy for large goitre. I believe if medics had the knowledge found on this forum, I wouldn't have such hell!