TSH and trying to get pregnant.

[Jodysd6]

Background is that I am a type 1 diabetic so see an endo and get my TSH checked annually. Last April was feeling more tired and developed carpal tunnel syndrome and saw GP, TSH came back at around 5.5. GP suggested discussing with endo as she didn't want to do anything about it. Saw endo who said maybe consider trying Levo if repeat test was still raised and he also ordered TPO test. When I went back later TSH was now in the 4's but the TPO came back as >2000. Recently I had another appointment any TSH is still around 5.5ish and T4 was 'normal' but towards bottom of range. I don't feel that bad, though I have been gaining a lot of weight despite a pretty good diet, and have had a lot of itching and hives but it's hard to know what could be diabetes related, what is just normal and what could be thyroid related! Anyway, I want to start trying for a baby later this year and my endo has been good about trying to get my diabetes as well controlled as possible before I try but what about the TSH? I think someone said once that it should be lower if trying to get pregnant. I will be tested again in about 3 months for my next appointment but I don't know if this is something I should be pushing a bit before trying?

[Clutter]

Jodysd6, I'm not sure what your endo is waiting for. TPO antibodies > 2,000 means you have autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's) which is attacking your thyroid gland and causing it to fail. You've had 3 TSH results of 5.5, 4 and 5.5 and have low FT4 which rule out non-thyroidal illness and are clear indications of hypothyroidism, as are your carpal tunnel synptoms and weight gain, although weight gain may also be due to diabetes.

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

Scroll down to read Dr. A. Toft's comments about starting thyroid replacement to nip autoimmune thyroid disease in the bud before it progresses to overt hypothyroidism thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_... If you want a full copy of the article for your endo email [e-mail]

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/diagno...

Many members have found adopting a gluten-free diet can help reduce the frequency of Hashimoto flare ups and antibodies.

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

It can be difficult to conceive with high TSH and low FT4 and there is an increased risk of miscarriage if you do. Make sure your GP and endo know you are contemplating pregnancy. TSH of women trying to conceive should be in the low-normal range of 0.4-2.0 and FT4 should be near or in the top 75% of range. Once you are on Levothyroxine its normal to increase dose by 25-50mcg as soon as you know you are pregnant to ensure good foetal development as the foetus is entirely dependent on maternal hormone for the first 3 months.

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

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

[Jodysd6]

Thank you, the NICE guidelines seem pretty clear so I will mention it, I have appointment in 3 months but wasn't planning on actually starting trying until after a holiday in august, I need to see my GP at some point for high dose folic acid, but if they start Levo how long do you think that might take to get it settled? Just wondering if I should see my GP sooner or of I'll be ok waiting until next appointment and having about 4 months before trying?

[Clutter in reply to Jodysd6]

Jodys, I'd see your GP about starting Levothyroxine now. It can take months to get the dose optimal and TSH stabilised in the low normal range. You'll be started on a relatively low dose with follow up blood tests 6/8 weeks later, dose increased by 25mcg usually followed by another blood test 6/8 weeks later and so on until your TSH is in the range.

[katefreewill]

i was unable to bear children and i discover a testimony through the internet and now i am happy because on facebook i found the man who help me for good and now am eight months pregnant and he told me that antelope give birth without losing a child, on facebook (Oduduwa Ajakaye)