Looking for IVF experienced Endocrinologist

[ValaI]

Hi lovely people,

After my 6th unsuccessful transfer and 3rd with donor embryos, I have decided to include an endocrinologist who can help maintain Thyroid levels before and during transfer. In the last cycle despite increasing the dose of Levothyroxine, my TSH jumped from 2.4 to 3.4 on day of transfer. Although I was under the protocol with dr Gorgy, I felt let down for not being guiding properly in the process and when you think all that money thrown in it’s numbing as experience

So before doing the next blood tests, as shared Thyroid UK forum, I have obtained the list of endocrinologists but I am reading that not all endocrinologists have enough information about thyroid impact in IVF.

I would be very grateful if you can share via PM your experiences with your Endo…what type of impact did it have in your transfer/pregnancy? How early and often you done your blood tests and meetings with the Endo?

Or is there a recommendation or a post where we can identify few of endocrinology specialists with focus on IVF? I know its not allowed to share names of clinics and consultants but would be nice to know how to best approach this.

I am devastated is the least to say but I dont want to give up yet…

Thank you in advance for your help and guidance.

This is much appreciated, Val xoxo

[75Toria]

Hi, I feel your pain. I am in the same situation. We have had 5 transfers, one miscarriage and 4 which didn’t work ( all donor)

On my most recent one, my TSH level was at 6.8 and I was given an increased dose of lethyroxine and the clinic tested my bloods. I have a high level of antibodies and I am angry that the transfer went ahead. The clinic said I should see an endocrinologist to check things out. It’s taken this long for them to even test! I’m seeing a Dr in Glasgow next week who specialises in pregnancy and thyroid so hoping this may help. We have one embryo left and I’m feeling sheer despair! I am keen to learn more about this.

[ValaI in reply to 75Toria]

Hi Toria, sorry to hear that you went through similar experience and just like you I was fuming that they allowed me to go with the transfer. As my clinic is in Alicante the other trouble for me was that I did the test 2 days before the transfer and they sent the results 4 days after transfer. Can you imagine, I was calling and writing every day and I am sure I looked like the crazy one not them for not being able to give results in time.

But I am glad that at least you have identified already a specialist and will consult for next steps. And fingers crossed this works ok for you xoxoxo. Do you mind sharing the name of the specialist despite being in Glasgow as I might consider as well especially if we can schedule zoom consultations.

I read in Thyroid Uk forum that iron and vitamin d are crucial in regulating thyroid and also taking selen supplements helps equally but again you need someone to guide you and test regularly this.

Do you mind me asking what injections did you take and how many? Was it via GP or how?

As I also have issues with high level of NK cells and take therapy to regulate that, I am keen to understand how and if that impacts thyroid as well or if there is any correlation?

Thank you so much for your time and for sharing these details with us. Happy to stay in touch and exchange further details if needed.

Hugss and wish you tons of luck in the next transfer.

Xooxoxxo Val

[leo1980]

hey! I don’t know if this helped specifically but I used Dr Kelly. (Endocrinologist) I don’t have thyroid issues per se but my levels were always too high to conceive. I think they prefer under 2.5? What we did was increase my iron (I am a vegetarian so levels are low) and eventually phase out the thyroxine. My levels were under 2 the month of transfer aside from ivf medication I was only taking iron supplements (Holland and Barrett version) Had a frozen transfer. (5 day embryo). This also regulated periods which was heavy. Used to have clots and flooding but after 3 months of just iron supplements, I took b12 and vitamin D injections and nothing else.

Best of luck!

[Hidden in reply to leo1980]

Where is Dr Kelly based? I’m looking for an endocrinologist in London

[leo1980 in reply to Hidden]

Harley street. I am in London too. Philip Kelly

[Hidden in reply to leo1980]

Thank you. I’ll contact her.

[ValaI in reply to leo1980]

Thank you so much Leo for sharing these details, I appreciate it so much. And as I responded in the previous reply, seems like iron, vitamin d and b12 are crucial in controlling thyroid levels and although I am taking them regularly I guess I never checked them before. I will check the consultant you recommended and will schedule the next blood tests immediately as it takes a while to regulate thyroid levels.

Do you mind me asking how did that transfer go for you, did you have any good news (pls say yes )?!

As mentioned above, happy to stay in touch and share experience with others if this helps in our journeys.

Sending you positive vibes and baby dust for you all :*

Xoxoxo

Val

[leo1980 in reply to ValaI]

hi Valal, i wish i had a winning formula for us on here - if i did i will publish it for free! Dr Kelly isn’t specifically for thyroid but it was his plan - the iron, and the b12. I added the vitamin D injections as my levels are low like in the 20’s! Even with supplements so tried it in an injection form for 3 months prior to transfer.

I am currently 8 weeks and 1 day pregnant ( I did have a BFP on my last cycle too but ended in a miscarriage 2 days before Christmas last year.

I wish I could say once you get a BFP it’s all going to be ok! But really it’s one hurdle after the other! I have had Non stop bleeding I am fearful to go to the loo! The medication we are on doesn’t help either as that alone brings its own set of symptoms! (Pain/discomfort)

I am 43 by the way and it’s a 3BB PGT tested embryo. I am on the immune protocol. I hope this is helpful but if you need anything else just ask! I keep writing stuff in my notes if ever I have to reference it for just this purpose - to share! Ps are your periods normal? (My was not )clots galore for about 8 years. we have morphology issues (like abnormal shaped sperm) so did ICSI