EFFECT OF FIRST TRIMESTER PREGNANCY ON TRIIODOTHYRONINE, THYROXINE AND THYROID STIMULATING HORMONE AT VARIOUS AGE INTERVALS IN WOMEN OF PORT HARCOURT METROPOLIS, NIGERIA

*Ben-Chioma A., Elekima I. and Nwachuku, E. O.

ABSTRACT

The effect of first trimester gestation on Triiodothyronine (T3), Thyroxine (T4) and Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) were assessed in 90 female subjects between the ages of 18-45 years. The test subjects all in their first trimester pregnancy were 60 and the non-pregnant (control) subjects excluded by serum pregnancy test were 30. Age interval of 18-26, 27-35 and 36-45 years were considered for both the test and control subjects. Samples obtained from these subjects were analyzed using the enzyme immunoassay method and statistical analysis carried out using Graphpad prism 5.2. When control was compared to pregnant subject, T4 and TSH showed significant increase and decrease respectively while T3 indicated no significant difference. When age intervals were considered, pregnant women of 18 -26 years showed significant increases and decreases in T3, T4 and TSH respectively. In 27-35 years, significant increase and decrease were seen in T4 and TSH respectively while in 36-45 years, significant decrease was seen in TSH. These significant changes in the activities of the hormones in the early period of gestation indicate great demand fo r the hormones by the mother and for the sustenance of the growing child during pregnancy.

Keywords: Pregnancy, T3, T4, TSH, First trimester.