Thyroid TSH Level 3.22

[LittleMermaid1]

Hi, I’ve just found out my TSH level is 3.22. On my first visit to the Assisted Conception Unit 2 weeks ago she said 0-4 is normal but aiming for less than 2.5 for IVF.

I queried this with my GP who is going to get back to me to see whether they put me on thryproxine.

Has anyone had experience of being prescribed thyproxine when levels are ‘normal’ but slightly higher than 2.5?

[Cinderella5]

My levels were 4.69 and whilst my GP was happy with this my clinic definitely wasn't. They have me a letter to give to my GP asking him to prescribe me Levothyroxine and to aim for my levels under 2. I was lucky in the fact that he understood my levels should he lower when trying to conceive and happy out me on meds. I have to say I also feel much better having it lowered too, was so tired beforehand. Good luck and stick to your guns, yours needs lowered to have the best chances!xx

[hifer]

All medical professionals I have spoken to that specialise in fertility have said that levels over 2.5 are not ' necessarily ideal' for conception (or fertility treatment). I was 5. something last year and my GP didn't flag this as an issue (this was before I knew anything about thyroid issues so didn't query it). It took the fertility unit at my hospital to put me on thyroxine. My levels dropped very quickly. Personally I would push for it as it's one less thing to have to worry about! Obviously up to you though x

[Kiedy84]

Hi yes TSH levels should be ideally between 0.5 and 2 and definitely below 2.5 for natural or IVF. You can see my previous posts for my journey re thyroid.

I would ask your GP for tests for antibodies also. Xx

[LittleMermaid1]

Thanks so much for all your advice ladies. GP rang back to say she is prescribing 50micrograms of Levothyroxine. She phoned my clinic and the doc advised this was the best course of action. GP not convinced that it is so she wants to keep a close eye on me. I’ve to have it tested again in 8 weeks. I’ve just been to collect my prescription and will start taking it tomorrow.

Any ideas how long before it should start to have an effect? Also, anyone experience any side affects? Clinic said I should be due to start IVF meds in April so hoping my TSH is starting to come down by then.

Thanks again for your comments, they have been very helpful x

[KW83 in reply to LittleMermaid1]

Hello. I got put on 50mg levothyroxine in November in time for first ivf in Jan. My TSH was 4.3 before starting meds, and had dropped to 1.1 within 2 weeks. Like Cinderella I feel a lot better on it - definitely less tired. I didn't sleep well for the first couple of weeks, felt a bit 'jittery' but that could have been psychosomatic and either way it eased quickly. After request from my clinic my GP also did the test for anti-TPO antibodies - if you have high TSH you may also test positive for antibodies. I tested positive so take steroids during treatment cycles. Not all clinics test for that or use steroids but might be worth discussing with your consultant. Good luck!

[Olivia80]

Hi, it normally takes about 6 weeks to accurately show in your blood. To make sure it’s working efficiently, don’t have coffee for an hour after, take first thing in the morning with no other drugs for around 4hrs and when you have your blood tests done make sure they’re first thing in the morning, having not eaten and take your pills after.

Health unlocked also has a thyroid forum which I’ve found very helpful after being diagnosed with thyroid cancer and having my thyroid removed. I wouldn’t feel “well” without them.

[LittleMermaid1]

Thanks so much to all you lovely ladies for the very helpful information. Pleased to say my TSH is now 1.23 after 8 weeks on levothyroxine xx