Safety and Efficacy of Empiric Levothyroxine (LT4) Dose Increase Versus Individualized LT4 Dose Increase in Hypothyroid Women During Pregnancy

In women who require thyroid hormone replacement medication, the investigators will compare 2 ways to adjust thyroid medication during pregnancy to determine superiority in maintaining optimal blood levels of thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone requirements increase significantly in pregnancy and it is important that blood levels of thyroid hormone remain normal so the fetus, which cannot make its own thyroid hormone has enough for early prenatal development. This trial compares 2 methods for adjusting thyroid medicine during pregnancy in women with known thyroid disease. Pregnant women (age 18 to 45) who take thyroid medication will be randomized to either 1) a 2-dose per week increase in thyroid medicine once pregnancy is confirmed, followed by dose adjustments every 2-4 weeks, or 2) adjustments in thyroid medication every 2-4 weeks in micrograms per day based on results of blood tests. The investigators will compare thyroid hormone levels throughout pregnancy between the groups of mothers to determine which method is superior in meeting the increased thyroid hormone requirements during pregnancy.