Thyroid Monitoring Blood Test

[lisap123]

I have just done an at home blood test as I read about how your thyroid can affect fertility. (ordered test kit online from a legit website)

Levels came back TSH of 5.8. If TSH values between 4 and 10 can be an early sign that someone is developing an underactive thyroid, and may be a sign that i have subclinical hypothyroidism.

But the report also mentioned that as T3 and thyroxine levels are within normal limits it is unlikely that this is affecting my fertility.

Bit of my background - age 30, been TTC 2 yrs. I have already been diagnosed with PCOS, been on clomid for passed 6 months (had MC on 3rd month) and now I have been put on waiting list for IVF.

I am going to make an appointment with my GP to discuss this and ask for another test to just eliminate that this could be affecting my ovulation.

Anyone have any knowledge/experience on thyroids and fertility?

Thanks

[Kitcat12]

Hi lovely, for fertility your TSH needs to be below 2, ideally as close to 0.5 as possible. High TSH can be linked to miscarriage and difficulty conceiving. Making an appointment with the GP is a good start, unfortunately few GPs have the expertise in this area that is necessary to manage the condition. I suggest you ask for a referral to an endocrinologist to manage your condition while you TTC and throughout any pregnancy x

[lisap123 in reply to Kitcat12]

Hi, kitcat.

Thanks for response.

The report also mentioned that as T3 and thyroxine levels are within normal limits and so this should not have an affect on fertility.

However, I will make an appointment. I am not sure whether I should go through my GP or fertility clinic? Takes so long getting appointments but I can’t ignore it and willing to try anything if it may help

[Kitcat12 in reply to lisap123]

Yes definitely make the appointment. You want to get that TSH right down x

[lisap123 in reply to Kitcat12]

I have nurse ringing me tomorrow morning.

I have also been getting this on/off sharp pain on lower left back the las few weeks and been worrying that it’s related to being on clomid for 6months so gonna ask her about that too. Hopefully they will help me 😊

[Kitcat12 in reply to lisap123]

Just be really pushy! They may tell you your levels are ok but just be your own advocate and insist on a referral, a specialist will know exactly how to get your levels under control, good luck x

[Mak2019]

Hello - I have two related experiences:

In my experience GPs can be a bit hit and miss with thyroid and fertility. My GP was initially really accommodating when I told her that my fertility doctor had advised I take thyroid medication to get TSH levels below 2.5, but the senior doctor in the practice was less happy about it because my tests were always in the normal to 'just a little high' range (like yours). His reasoning was that taking thyroid medication for too long, and when you don't really need to, could affect your cardiovascular system (i.e. heart). So they should be cautious, but in my case they agreed to prescribe while I am TTC and having IVF.

Once I was on levothyroxine (the medication) my levels dropped to 2.1, which was great. However, I also recently did an in-home test as you described it. My levels came back at 4.7 even though I am taking the medication every day! I went to my GP and she wasn't very concerned about it because she thought it might have to do with the fact that the test is using capillary blood, rather than blood from your veins. I am still sceptical about this because I can't find any mention of this making a difference online, but there is nothing I can do about it. She will test my levels again in October (I also had them tested in July and NHS labs will refuse to test any earlier than 3 months since the last test).

So I think you should definitely get your GP to test again to check your TSH levels, in case the in-home test made an error. If it does come back high and they are not happy to prescribe medication you could try and see a private fertility specialist and ask him to write to your GP.

Hope that helps!

[lisap123 in reply to Mak2019]

Hi Mak2019,

Thanks for your response. I will bear that all in mind when I speak to GP.

I am just willing to try anything that may help regulate ovulated as my periods are so light and I am not sure if it’s coz I have been on clomid for the last 6months or is it down to PCOS. My cycle was irregular before I went on clomid but I don’t think the periods were as light as they have been whilst on clomid.

Anyway, i have nurse ringing me tomorrow and I plan to ask for thyroid test and also I have been getting a sharp pain on lower left back the last few wks and I am worried it’s because I have been on clomid for last 6 months.

I guess I’m just a worrier and want to eliminate anything that might worsen my fertility.

Thanks for your information, very helpful 😊