I have been referred to an endocrinologist by my GP because my thyroid antibodies level is abnormal and my thyroid function is fine.
I’m also undergoing IVF and unable to proceed with my next FET until my thyroid investigations are complete which has me feeling very disheartnened.
Is anyone able to tell me what I can expect from this appointment? How exactly is an auto immune disease diagnosed?
Also has anyone been through similar and had a successful IVF pregnancy?
Thanks in advance.
Hi there. I was in the same position. My clinic asked me to see an Endocrinologist as my antibodies were abnormal and my TSH levels were fluctuating. We paid privately to see one and although she was very helpful and lovely, she said that there is nothing medically that can be done to sort antibodies as they are present in most people. She suggested speaking to my clinic about the dose of levthyroxine I am taking to ensure that my TSH is always below 2 for any transfer. We have had 5 rounds ( one with miscarriage and the remaining 4 did not take). We have one last go and the clinic are not making many changes to the final round with the exception of referring me to an immunologist. They said they are not worried about the antibodies!!🤦🏼♀️ It’s a real rollercoaster. I wish you all the luck in the world! X
Thank you for replying. Who advised you that you needed levthyroxine? I am going private through my health insurance to speed things up.
I have read that your TSH should be below 2.5 for fertility and mine is 3.84. I would have thought this would be checked by my clinic before we proceeded with any treatment :s
Will the immunologist discuss suppressing your immune system to hopefully stop the antibodies?
It just seems to be one thing after another with me. I really hope we can have another transfer before the end of this year.
I was advised by my clinic to take the lethyroxine as they want the level to be below 2 and the endocrinologist agreed with this. I would ask for them to monitor your levels.
We are interested to see what the immunologist says as I have been on a few different drugs to suppress my immune system as I have high NK killer cells but this has not helped with the transfers unfortunately.
I know how you feel, it’s a torturous journey! X
Did you get your NK cells checked privately?
My clinic seem to want to wait until I’ve been to the endocrinologist but that isn’t until next month and my next clinic appointment is next week. Hopefully they can advise on medication or at least check my TSH level themselves and propose a plan and I’ll check this with the endo consultant x
Hi! I had high TPO antibodies some years before starting IVF. The high antibodies were the first clinical sign of Hashimoto (Hypothiroidism) which runs in my family. They did an ultrasound of my thyroid gland to confirm the diagnosis and put me on levothyroxine, which helped keep the TSH in check. There is no going back for the antibodies once they are produced, as far as I understand it. I have been told many times by my endocrinologist and the IVF clinic having thyroid hormones at good levels is essential for implantation and a successful pregnancy, so hang in there, what seems like another hold up now might be really critical down the line. And be prepared that the levothyroxine might take a couple of months to work, it is not a quick fix unfortunately. But once it kicks in, it does work. I have a baby girl from our last FET. Very best of luck!
This has made me feel much more positive about the situation. I’m already having to delay things because of a suspected polyp but we went ahead with the transfer without me even knowing about a thyroid issue. It appears my antibodies were never previously tested and my function is fine as per the GP but it isn’t really if levels are to be below 2. I also have another auto immune disease but not much has been said on that either. I had a scan of my thyroid for a separate matter and that scan should my thyroid to be heterogenous which is why they tested my blood. It’s weird how things turn out.
Congratulations on your miracle!
Thank you! Wishing you a little miracle too 
xx
Hi do you mind sharing what medication you were on for your successful cycle? X
Of course! I was on 25 mcg Levothyroxine if you are asking about the thyroid medication. x
Was you transfer medicated? X
Hi Kerry1947, a good resource for this is Dr Izabella Wentz, she talks about all things Hashimoto's and how to deal with and lower thyroid antibodies. Have a google of her and see what you think, I find her useful.
**Update** - Booking in appointment...
Looking for IVF experienced Endocrinologist 
First appointment yesterday 
Follow up appointment
