Does thyroid hormones pass through breast milk?

Hyperthyroidism is not a contraindication for breastfeeding. Per Medications and Mothers’ Milk (Hale 2017, p. 558-559, 564-565), only exceedingly low levels of thyroid hormones (both T4/levothyroxine and T3/liothyronine) transfer into breastmilk.

What birth defects does PTU cause?

In the children who were exposed to PTU, the birth defects were found only in the face, neck and urinary system, while children who were exposed to MMI, the birth defects involved many organs: some had aplasia cutis (lack of skin in the scalp), esophageal or choanal atresia (back of the nasal passage is blocked) and …

What medicine should be avoided with the nursing mother?

Drugs contraindicated during breastfeeding include anticancer drugs, lithium, oral retinoids, iodine, amiodarone and gold salts. An understanding of the principles underlying the transfer into breast milk is important, as is an awareness of the potential adverse effects on the infant.

Can I take PTU while pregnant?

Results: Antithyroid drugs are the main therapy for maternal hyperthyroidism. Both methimazole (MMI) and propylthiouracil (PTU) may be used during pregnancy; however, PTU is preferred in the first trimester and should be replaced by MMI after this trimester.

Does thyroid medication affect baby?

Levothyroxine, a synthetic form of thyroid hormone that’s safe for your baby, is the standard treatment. It poses no danger to your developing baby. If you’re pregnant, you must continue to take levothyroxine and stay in close contact with your doctor.

Is it safe to take levothyroxine while breastfeeding?

It’s usually safe to breastfeed while you’re on levothyroxine. Thyroid hormones pass into breast milk in very low levels that are too small to affect the baby. If you’re breastfeeding, it’s important that you continue to take levothyroxine.

What are the side effects of PTU?

Propylthiouracil may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• hair loss.
• difficulty tasting food.
• numbness, burning, or tingling of the hands or feet.
• joint or muscle pain.
• dizziness.
• swelling of the neck.

Are antithyroid drugs safe?

Antithyroid drugs are a mainstay of therapy of hyperthyroidism, especially when it is due to Graves’ disease. Although antithyroid agents are generally safe, side effects may limit their usefulness in some patients. Side effects are classified as minor and major, based on their degree of morbidity.

Can you take drugs while breastfeeding?

It’s dangerous to take illegal drugs while you’re breastfeeding or, indeed, at any time. They can affect your ability to look after your baby safely and can be passed on to your baby through your breast milk. It’s important to talk to a midwife, health visitor or GP if you’re using them.

Can you take medication while breastfeeding?

Most medications are safe to take while breast-feeding. Also, the benefit of continuing to take a medication for a chronic condition while breast-feeding often outweighs any potential risks.

Which is better PTU or methimazole?

Methimazole — Methimazole is usually preferred over propylthiouracil because it reverses hyperthyroidism more quickly and has fewer side effects. Methimazole requires an average of six weeks to lower T4 levels to normal and is often given before radioactive iodine treatment.

Can you take thyroid medicine while breastfeeding?

Thyroid disease medication and breastfeeding It is often necessary to adjust medication doses to maintain normal thyroid hormone levels. Few medications are contraindicated when breastfeeding. Many breastfeeding mothers with thyroid disease take medications to treat it and safely continue to breastfeed.