Gestational hyperthyroidism is best described as which of the following?

Gestational hyperthyroidism is best described as which of the following?

• A. Transient thyrotoxicosis due to increased hCG
• B. Autoimmune Graves' disease
• C. Chronic hypothyroidism
• D. Thyroid storm

Answer: (A)

Gestational hyperthyroidism occurs when the high hCG levels in early pregnancy stimulate the thyroid via the TSH receptor, causing a temporary rise in thyroid hormones. This thyrotoxicosis is usually mild and resolves as hCG levels decline, typically by mid-pregnancy. It is not autoimmune Graves' disease, which involves persistent TSH-receptor antibodies; it is not chronic hypothyroidism, which is a low-thyroid-hormone state; and it is not a thyroid storm, which is an acute, life-threatening emergency. The key idea is that gestational hyperthyroidism is a transient hyperthyroid state driven by elevated hCG.

Gestational hyperthyroidism occurs when the high hCG levels in early pregnancy stimulate the thyroid via the TSH receptor, causing a temporary rise in thyroid hormones. This thyrotoxicosis is usually mild and resolves as hCG levels decline, typically by mid-pregnancy. It is not autoimmune Graves' disease, which involves persistent TSH-receptor antibodies; it is not chronic hypothyroidism, which is a low-thyroid-hormone state; and it is not a thyroid storm, which is an acute, life-threatening emergency. The key idea is that gestational hyperthyroidism is a transient hyperthyroid state driven by elevated hCG.