MTHFR homozygous mutation and miscarriages

[Mama196]

Hi there,

I just found out that I have a MTHFR gene homozygous mutation (one feels om both parents) but have tested negative for blood clotting and autoimmune disorders. I am hypothyroid but being treated and have had 2 miscarriages in the last year. I already have a son aged 2.5 ish who was conceived on normal folic acid dose.

I was just wondering if anybody else who has this has any advice or thoughts on it all? The specialist has prescribed 5mg daily of folic acid and progesterone pessaries from positive pregnancy test (though she says the progesterone isn’t really likely to do anything). She said I could take the folic acid from ovulation.

She also recommended over the counter Vit B12 and maybe B6, though I’ve taken pregnancy supplements containing these before and have a suspicion these caused bad insomnia so I’m a little nervous about starting on them again.

Thanks!

[Nemobaby]

Hi, Sorry to hear about your miscarriages, it’s an awful thing to go through

I was diagnosed as heterozygous MTHFR (also hypothyroid and have blood clotting issues) and was advised that it means I can’t process synthetic folic acid well even on a high dose, so need to take a supplement with Methylfolate in it, was recommended to take pregnacare max everyday (before and during my ivf treatment) you can buy just Methylfolate tablets but not sure on dosage. I try and take the vits earlier in the day as I do find they can mess with my sleep if I take them later in the day.

Good luck with everything x

[Mama196 in reply to Nemobaby]

Thank you. I did ask the specialist whether I needed the folic acid in a different form, as I’d already read this but she said there are different studies saying different things on that.

Do they test you after to find out how well you’re processing it now you’re on the methylfolate?

[Nemobaby in reply to Mama196]

No I’ve not been retested since, the clinic said it wasn’t necessary, I just went along with what they suggested and hoped for the best, I have managed to get and stay pregnant on my second attempt with donor eggs (had 4 failed rounds with own eggs, a mmc and 2 rounds with donor eggs) there’s so much changing research and ideas that you you just have to go with what feels right for you x

[Mama196 in reply to Nemobaby]

Thanks for your replies before. Did you get any side effects with the methyl folate other than sleep issues? I’ve tried the high dose folic acid and it made me feel so ill (nausea/ bloating/ gas/ diarrhoea) that I’ve stopped it and am waiting to hear from the Dr re. alternatives.

[Nemobaby in reply to Mama196]

I haven’t had any side effects with the methyl folate, (I think the sleep issue is caused by the B vitamins in the pregnacare max). Good luck with finding something that suits you x

[Cinderella5]

Im sorry for your losses. I've got heterozygous MTHFR and hypothyroid. I take exactly what you have been advised to. I haven't noticed insomnia. I usually take the vitamin B 100 Vitamin B complex from Holland and Barrett with the 5mg folic acid. Xx

[Mama196 in reply to Cinderella5]

Thanks for the reply. Have you been tested at all to see if you’re processing the folic acid ok?

[Cinderella5 in reply to Mama196]

No I havent been checked! Just trusting the experts I guess.xx

[Cinderella5 in reply to Mama196]

I do know a few ladies that have been on the 5mg and had successful pregnancies.xx

[Mama196 in reply to Cinderella5]

Thanks Cinderella5- did you get any side effects with the high dose folic acid? It made me so nauseous/ bloated/ gassy I’ve had to stop taking them as was really bad and made me so unwell. I’m looking into the methyl folate alternative with my Dr.

[Cinderella5 in reply to Mama196]

I actually didnt feel much different but yes agree if that doesnt work with you then try the alternative. Good luck.xx

[Pink5678]

Hi, I have two healthy kids (4 and 6) and also hyperthyroid. I had 4 miscarriages last year and after fertility tests found out I have the MFTHR gene and the Leinden V gene mutation, plus my TSH levels were above 5. We have worked to bring TSH levels right down and I can start to try again.

Am interested in your advice around B vits as not heard that before. Any particular type of B vit I should take?