Hi, I am 33 and came off the pill a few months ago to try for a baby. This is the first time I have tried for a baby with an underactive thyroid.
My periods have changed since I came off the pill, and my cycle is now every 3 weeks, very heavy and making me feel ill.
I was wondering if having an underactive thyroid can cause these kind of issues and does it make it harder to fall pregnant?
Many thanks
Hi poppetandpud
Yes to both questions, I am afraid. I doubt if many doctors are aware of this. I think you are due a new blood test for thyroid hormones so make an appointment with your GP and also ask for a Free T4 and Free T3 (probably wont but ask anyway). I will give you a link which will be self-explanatory.
web.archive.org/web/2010103...
If your TSH is too high, you need more levothyroxine or an increase in whatever thyroid hormones you're on.
Your blood test should be done as early as possible, not taking levo before but after the test. If you've eaten should leave 2 hours minimum each side of taking levo. If taking supplements/other medication take 4 hours apart from levo.
Also ask for Vitamin B12, Vit D,iron, ferritin and folate so that you ensure everything is towards the upper range for vits/minerals.
Thank you for your reply. My doctor is often useless when it's comes to my thyroid.
I was tested about 5 months ago and I was told that my levels were normal, but that was before I came off the pill.
Can coming off the mini pill effect my thyroid levels? I am currently on 75mg of levothyroxine. And although the doctor said my levels are normal, I still feel tired most days, and not feeling my usual bubbly self.
When we get the results of our thyroid blood tests, what we don't want to hear is the word 'normal'. It is meaningless regarding blood tests as we want our TSH to be low or even suppressed for some people. GPs are happy to give you enough hormones to keep you in the 'normal' range but we have a thyroid disease and the doctors shouldn't try to regulate our dose to keep in within the 'range'. The best way a doctor can judge our dose suits us is to ask how we feel. If well we are on sufficient and levo is converting well. If still unwell, we either need an increased dose or T3 added to a reduced T4 but GPs are reluctant to prescribe the Active hormone (T3) our brain needs for our body to function.
Always get a print-out of your blood test results, with the ranges and post them for comments. We have to read and learn if we want to get well. Sometimes it does take a while to get to a dose which suits. That's if the GP is not obsessed with keeping the TSH in the 'normal' range regardless of your symptoms. I think your thyroid gland will improve as you are now off the mini-pill but you do need an adequate dose of hormones. Ask for the blood tests above and don't be shy at requesting a print-out of your results for your own records. We are entitled to them.
Thanks for your help. Makes me feel a little better knowing that other people knows what it feels like to be fobbed off by the doctors. I have an appointment in 2 weeks so hopefully with all the info I have got from everyone on here, I can get the right help from my GP
Many thanks
Unfortunately, many GPs don't listen and only go by the guidelines. Hopefully, your GP will accommodate your wishes.
Welcome to the forum, Poppetandpud.
Do you have the results and lab ref ranges of your most recent thyroid test? Undiagnosed and undertreated hypothyroidism can mess up your cycle and period and often makes conception harder but infertility is usually temporary and resolves when optimally medicated.
NICE recommends that hypothyroid women planning conception should discuss it with their doctor to ensure TSH is in the low-normal range 0.4-2.0 with FT4 in the top 75% of range. TSH >2.0 can make conception more difficult. Levothyroxine is usually increased by 25mcg-50mcg when pregnancy is confirmed to ensure good foetal development during the first trimester when the foetus is dependant on maternal thyroid hormone and to reduce the risks of miscarriage and post-partum thyroiditis. They also advise referral to a specialist.
Yeah, get checked soon, don't wait. I wanted to have kids too and I could never wonder why I never got pregnant and I believe it was because I was hyperthyroid and didn't know it. Do something now sweetie. Don't wait. Keep us posted. I hope it happens for you. Debber
Thank you Debber. Could only get an appointment for 2 weeks time. Keeping my fingers crossed that my doctor gives me a thorough going over. I don't want to be still trying for a baby into my late 30's and worrying that about age related issues with pregnancy
Yeah, I wish someone had told me. I could never understand why I never got pregnant and I feel it is related to my hyperthyrodism. I wasn't on anything. I'm glad you have the education when you're young. I'm in my 40s now and I don't think it will happen but we are still trying too. And yes, be your own advocate and you know your body. Not all doctors are created equal for sure. Take care yourself and keep us posted. I"m excited for you.
Aw thank you.
And good luck to you too. It's so hard to get the right help when you need it.
I have 2 children from a previous relationship, but my partner doesn't have any. It will be devastating if my thyroid issues are the only thing standing in our way.
Let's hope we both have a good out come x
I think you will be great! I think with you having kids before you're going to be okay. I'm a cancer survivor too and I think the chemo played a role to but I couldn't even before the cancer so it makes me think it's hyper related. It's so crazy too as my mom was super skinny when younger and never gained any weight and I think my mom was too and didn't know it. My one sister is Downs and I seen where thyroid can play a role in that too. I just wonder about all of this. It is so very complexing for sure.
No worries as I feel it will be good for you but make sure you go now. Yes, keep us posted.
High TSH - trying for a baby.. new here.
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