Study links long-term thyroid imbalance in pregnancy to autism risk

JERUSALEM, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- Researchers have found that women who experience persistent thyroid hormone imbalance throughout pregnancy may face a higher risk of having children diagnosed with autism, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev said in a statement on Sunday.

In a new study, published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, the research team examined the role of maternal thyroid hormones, which are critical for fetal brain development.

While thyroid issues during pregnancy have previously been linked to atypical neurodevelopment, including a higher likelihood of autism spectrum disorder, the current research offered new clarity.

The researchers found that stable and well-managed chronic thyroid dysfunction did not increase autism risk. However, persistent hormonal imbalance spanning multiple trimesters was associated with a heightened risk.

They emphasized the importance of regular monitoring and timely adjustments to treatment to keep thyroid levels within the normal range throughout pregnancy.

The study drew on data from more than 51,000 births, revealing a dose-response trend, according to which the longer the thyroid imbalance continued across trimesters, the greater the associated risk of autism in offspring. Enditem