TSH levels in pregnancy and links to mood, anxiety, and sexual function
Evaluation of the Effects of Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Levels in Pregnancy on Depression, Anxiety, and Sexual Function
This project will see if TSH levels during pregnancy are linked to depression, anxiety, sexual function, and overall quality of life in pregnant women aged 18–45.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 180 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Gaziosmanpasa Research and Education Hospital Government |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul, Gaziosmanpaşa) |
| Trial ID | NCT07272213 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This prospective, single-center, observational cross-sectional project collects maternal blood TSH measurements and psychometric scores during routine prenatal visits. Participants complete the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX), and the YKK-13 Quality of Life Scale and must have a TSH result from the past four weeks. Eligible women are aged 18–45 with a singleton pregnancy of at least six weeks, and those with prior psychiatric diagnoses, current thyroid treatment, multiple gestation, or major systemic disease are excluded. Data analysis will determine whether maternal TSH levels are associated with scores for depression, anxiety, sexual function, and overall quality of life.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Pregnant women aged 18–45 with a singleton pregnancy of ≥6 weeks who can read and consent and who have a TSH result within the past four weeks are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with prior psychiatric disorders, current thyroid disease or treatment, multiple pregnancies, or major systemic illnesses are excluded and would not benefit from this study's findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If a link is found, TSH screening could help identify pregnant individuals at higher risk of depression, anxiety, or sexual dysfunction so clinicians can monitor or refer them earlier.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research has reported links between thyroid dysfunction and mood or anxiety symptoms, but results are mixed and cross-sectional studies like this one are exploratory rather than definitive.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Pregnant women aged 18-45 years Singleton pregnancy Gestational age ≥ 6 weeks Literacy and ability to provide informed consent Availability of a TSH result obtained within the past 4 weeks Cognitive ability sufficient to complete the psychometric questionnaires (Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, ASEX, and YKK-13 Quality of Life Scale) Exclusion Criteria: Multiple pregnancy Previously diagnosed psychiatric disorder or active use of antidepressant/ anxiolytic medication Current treatment for thyroid disease History of thyroid surgery Major systemic illness or significant obstetric complications Age under 18 years or inability to provide informed consent Inability to complete the questionnaires adequately (missing or invalid data) Rationale: Multiple pregnancies are excluded because they differ significantly from singleton pregnancies in terms of hormonal profile, obstetric risks, and psychological stress levels. This exclusion aims to ensure a homogeneous study population.
Where this trial is running
Istanbul, Gaziosmanpaşa
- SBÜ Gaziosmanpaşa Training and Research Hospital — Istanbul, Gaziosmanpaşa, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: havva betül bacak, md — SBÜ Gaziosmanpaşa Training and Research Hospital
- Study coordinator: havva betül bacak, md
- Email: hbbacak90@gmail.com
- Phone: +905333610088
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.