Slideshow: Impact of Thyroid-Disrupting Chemicals, Assessing Metformin Safety Profile

Pregnancy triggers major hormone changes in a woman’s body to support a developing fetus and prepare the body for childbirth. Estrogen increases to thicken the uterine lining for implantation, while increases in progesterone relaxes pelvic ligaments for delivery.¹ What’s more, rising levels of oxytocin play a key role in bonding and lactation.² Fluctuations in other hormones help ensure the fetus gets the nutrients it needs.

By understanding the healthy hormonal profiles of pregnancy and childbirth, health care providers can anticipate complications and promote positive health outcomes for child and mother.

Three posters presented at the Endocrine Society’s 2024 annual meeting, held June 1 to 4 in Boston, Massachusetts, focused on women’s health. These studies took note of the long-term consequences of hormonal conditions during pregnancy and childbirth, as well as how social factors can influence these outcomes.

Click here for more of our coverage from ENDO 2024.

READ MORE: Women's Health Resource Center

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References

1. Kumar P, Magon N. Hormones in pregnancy. Niger Med J. 2012;53(4):179-183. doi:10.4103/0300-1652.107549

2. Walter MH, Abele H, Plappert CF. The Role of Oxytocin and the Effect of Stress During Childbirth: Neurobiological Basics and Implications for Mother and Child. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2021;12:742236. doi:10.3389/fendo.2021.742236

3. Tan EC, Dias JM, Nicklas JM, Seely EW. Changes in LDL-cholesterol from 6 weeks to 12 months postpartum in women with recent gestational diabetes. Presented at: ENDO 2024; June 1-4, 2024; Boston, MA.

4. Dutta D, Sharma M, Mohindra R, Nagendra L, Yajnik C. Impact of metformin use in pregnancy on long term outcomes in children and mothers 5-11 years after childbirth: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Presented at: ENDO 2024; June 1-4, 2024; Boston, MA.

5. Han C, Lee S, Pearce EN. Temporal trends in thyroidal endocrine disruptor exposure among United States reproductive-age and pregnant women over 20 years and differences by socioeconomic status. Presented at: ENDO 2024; June 1-4, 2024; Boston, MA.