Hypothyroidism in pregnancy

[cherryabs]

Hi, I am looking for some advice. I am currently 10 weeks pregnant with an underactive thyroid. My most recent blood tests showed a TSH of 4.7 which my GP said was normal and will not increase my medication. However, I have read on various forums and websites that a TSH level of between 1-2 is safest during pregnancy. I now don't know where to turn and am worried sick something is going to go wrong. I have thought about seeing a private endocrinologist even though I can't really afford it because I am so terrified and anxious.

Can someone please help me? Thank you.

[Clutter]

Cherryabs, Congratulations on your pregnancy.

I'm afraid your GP is wrong and out of his depth. TSH in pregnant women should be in the low normal range 0.4-2.0 to avoid the risk of miscarriage and ensure good foetal development. Your medication needs increasing by 50mcg immediately and you should have follow up thyroid blood tests and dose increases until you are in the low normal range to avoid post-partum thyroiditis.

Print off the NICE recommendation below for your GP and ask for a referral to an endocrinologist or maternity specialist as soon as possible.

cks.nice.org.uk/hypothyroid...

[cherryabs in reply to Clutter]

Thank you for much for your reply, I had a feeling my GP was giving me the wrong information but I didn't want to doubt him. I am so worried now and don't know where to turn as I cannot get an appointment until Monday. Should I increase the thyroxin myself over the weekend or wait until I speak to the GP again?

Thanks again

[Clutter in reply to cherryabs]

Cherryabs, yes I would and if your GP isn't helpful ask to see another GP for a 2nd opinion. Good luck on Monday, let me know how you get on.

[shaws]

Welcome Cherryabs

You don't give any thyroid history in your profile, so I am assuming you have been diagnosed and are on levothyroxine?

I am sorry you are so worried about your pregnancy and I believe your doctor is wrong. They are obsessed with 'normal' blood tests. The following is a good site for pregnant mums and this is a link:

hypothyroidmom.com/what-eve...

If you are hypothyroid and taking levothyroxine a 4.7 TSH is too high to feel well even if not pregnant. I am not pregnant (past age) and TSH 1. You have now found out GPs know little.

If you also cursor down the right hand side of the above link, there are more topics.

[cherryabs in reply to shaws]

Thanks for your reply and information. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism 5 years ago and have been on levothyroxine ever since. I am so concerned now as to what damage has been done and if I am going to lose this baby because of my GP's incompetence. I can't do anything now until Monday and am so upset and anxious, I don't know where to turn. The damage has probably been done now so even if I do manage to get my level back down to the safe pregnancy range by increasing medication, I fear it's too late. I am so upset right now.

[shaws in reply to cherryabs]

No don't worry too much as the baby takes their thyroxine in the early stages from Mum and I am sure you will be o.k. as you had the instinct/sense to know GP was wrong. If you cannot get an appointment speak on the phone to your GP and insist on an increase in your medication. I would increase your meds yourself by 25mcg say till you speak to GP Monday.

I would also complain to the authorities as it is really ridiculous to say the least.

The authorities penalise doctors who know how to treat patients with a thyroid gland problem because the dare medicate to the symptoms but other doctors are allowed to damage our health because the TSH is 'in range'. You wouldn't believe it if you didn't know it was true.

[Muffy]

Could you see a different doctor? Also, have they given you a hospital apt with an endo. I believe you should request one urgently.