Thyroid Disease & hCG Levels: Understanding the Connection

Question
Hi Brenda,
    I was wondering if you knew anything about Thyroid Disease and HCG levels. Can thyroid disease cause high hcg levels? Thank you

Answer
Dear Megan,

hCG has mild thyroid stimulating effects and, as a result, can cause some symptoms of hyperthyroidism during pregnancy. Temporary subclinical (no apparent symptoms) hyperthyroidism occurs in 10-20% of normal pregnant women but typically does not require treatment.

As for the reverse - thyroid disease causing high hCG levels - it doesn't really work that way. Thyroid disease or high thyroid levels do not cause "false positives" on pregnancy tests or higher than normal hCG results during pregnancies. They tend to look for another cause.

I hope that helps you and answers your question. I wish you well.

Brenda