Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Levels in Pregnancy and Their Association With Depression, Anxiety, and Sexual Function

Overview

This prospective, single-center, observational cross-sectional study aims to evaluate the relationship between thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and psychological as well as sexual health outcomes during pregnancy. Pregnant individuals will undergo psychometric assessment using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX), and the YKK-13 Quality of Life Scale. The study will investigate whether maternal TSH levels are associated with depression, anxiety, sexual function, and overall quality of life scores. Eligible participants will be pregnant women aged 18-45 years with a singleton pregnancy of at least 6 weeks, who are literate and have provided informed consent. Individuals with a prior psychiatric history, multiple gestation, or existing systemic or endocrine diseases will be excluded. The primary endpoint of the study is to determine the association between TSH levels and psychometric scale scores during pregnancy.

Pregnancy is a period characterized by significant physiological, hormonal, and psychological changes that may influence maternal well-being. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) plays a central role in endocrine regulation during pregnancy, and alterations in thyroid function have been associated with mood disorders, anxiety symptoms, and changes in sexual function. Despite emerging evidence suggesting a link between thyroid status and maternal mental health, the relationship between TSH levels and psychological outcomes during pregnancy remains insufficiently explored. This prospective, single-center, observational cross-sectional study aims to systematically evaluate the association between maternal TSH levels and psychometric parameters, including depression, anxiety, sexual function, and quality of life. Participants will be assessed using validated instruments: the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX), and the YKK-13 Quality of Life Scale. Blood samples will be collected to measure serum TSH levels, and questionnaire scores will be obtained during routine prenatal follow-up visits. The study population will consist of pregnant women aged 18-45 years with a singleton pregnancy of at least six weeks' gestation. Individuals with a history of psychiatric disorders, multiple gestations, or systemic/endocrine diseases will be excluded to minimize confounding factors. Data will be analyzed to determine whether variations in TSH levels are correlated with psychometric outcomes, and to better understand the potential role of thyroid function in maternal psychological and sexual health. The ultimate goal of this research is to provide clinical insight into how thyroid function may influence mental and sexual well-being during pregnancy, thereby supporting early identification and management of at-risk pregnant individuals.