Infertility with hypothyroidism

[Juliatom]

Iam 37 years old suffering from hypothyroidism with infertility. Waiting for consultant first appointment.

I am taking 50mcg thyroxin, seven seas trying for baby .Is there any other medication helped for fertility/IVF ?. Do IVF helps for patients with hypothyroidism.

[Tlove]

Hi, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism after a year of trying unsuccessfully. Once I was on the right dose of eltroxin and lost some weight and also used ovulation sticks, I got pregnant easily within a few months. But I subsequently had 3 miscarriages and eventually went on to have IVF last October. I'm 17 weeks with twins now. I always make sure my thyroid is checked every few months - as you rightly say it does affect fertility and levels can change in pregnancy. I am 36, I was 33 when first treated for thyroid. I became pregnant naturally quite easily once I was using ovulation sticks and taking eltroxin but unfortunately for me, thyroid wasn't my only issue. Besides thyroid I also have Hughes syndrome and low amh, so IVF was eventually recommended. I've also been on high dose folic acid for over a year while trying. Have you had all the usual bloods tested already?

[Juliatom in reply to Tlove]

Thanks for reply.May I know what level TSH value helped you to get pregnant.

I had blood test and transvaginal scan without any defects.Iam on vit supplements for pregnancy with folic acid. Current tsh value - 3.6

I am waiting to see consultant for further tests.

[Tlove in reply to Juliatom]

It is 3 years since I was first treated so I don't have a clue of levels. All I remember is I was within range but close to the limit and my GP said I had to go on eltroxin to control it even though it was not actually outside the limit. Sorry I can't be more helpful. I think there is a thyroid forum on this website though, maybe it's worth asking there?

[Bumbo]

Hello, I also have hypothyroidism and infertility. I was diagnosed with Hashimotos (an autoimmune condition causing my thyroid problems) after 2 years of trying, through a private endo, not my nhs endo. Do you have high levels of antibodies?

We haven't tried ivf and this is what we have been offered by the nhs as the next step. I looked into autoimmune disorders and I was tested for killer cells, which would kills our embryos soon after they were conceived. Recently I found out that I do in fact have high killer cells and I am now receiving treatment for that. I am hoping that this was our problem but I cannot tell you that this has worked for us yet .... but do have a look into it, especially if your thyroid problems have been caused by Hashimotos or if you have any other autoimmune condition.

All the best!

[Juliatom]

I have never heard of killer cells. My thyroid antibodies blood test are normal.

My GP did not refer me to endo.IVF may fail due to other thyroid issues .

[Bumbo in reply to Juliatom]

Ok, well if you don't have any immune issues then I really don't know if you are at risk of killer cells. Just make sure you're being appropriately treated for you thyroid issues, a tsh of 3.6, although "normal" is actually on the high side for pregnancy, according to the nice clinical gudeliness it should be between 1 and 2. Mine was always between 3 and 5 before treatment with levothyroxine. There's a thryroid community on this website, I found people's answers really helpful.

All the best!