Hashimotos and fertility

[Bumbo]

Hello all

Hope somebody can help. I have had hormone problems since I was a teenager (inc hyperthyroid which readjusted in time with no medication). Over the past 5 years sought tests for hypothyroid due to my symptoms but was told my thyroid was fine as my tsh was fine. My symptoms remained, lethargic, sleeping lots, always cold, difficulty losing weight (Bmi higher end of "normal").

We've been trying for a baby for over 3 years, and was told by my gp and endocrinologist (under them for increased prolactin) it's not due to hypothyroidism, as my ths results were always between 2.5 and 5, as anything up to 5 is fine I have been told. Last year, after reading that ideally ths should be between 1 and 2 for fertility went to see a private endocrinologist as I feel I've come to a brick wall with the nhs in relation to my thyroid, as nhs professionals suggest ivf is the next step. The private Endocrinologist diagnosed me with Hashimotos due to high level of antibodies. He gave me levothyroxin to get my ths down to between 1 and 2, and my T4 from 14 up to a suggested over 17 for optimum levels for fertility. My energy levels are now amazing!

My confusion is that after being on levothyroxine for 2 months, my ths is down to 0.03... However my T4 has only come up to 15.5, so not 17 yet. I will obviously see a doctor again (I have an appointment in 2 weeks) but in the meantime, I don't know whether to continue taking the same level of medication for my t4 to continue increasing, or whether as my ths is so low I shouldn't.

Does anybody have any experience with a similar situation levels wise?

Also, anybody with experience of Hashimotos and elevated antibodies but ths below 5 who went on to concieve? I don't know whether this is the problem, but it's the only explanation I have because all tests for fertility (we've had a lot) are fine and we've been told we have "unexplained infertility".

Thanks for reading!

[Clutter]

Welcome to the forum, Bumbo.

High TSH can make it difficult to conceive and increases the risk of miscarriage. NICE recommends the TSH of women trying to conceive and newly pregnant should be in the low-normal range 0.4-2.00 with FT4 in the top 75% of range. Levothyroxine is usually increased by 25-50mcg when pregnancy is confirmed to ensure good foetal development as the foetus is entirely dependant on maternal thyroid hormone during the first trimester.

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

Your TSH is suppressed but this is sometimes necessary in order that FT4 can rise. I would continue with your current dose. If you reduce dose your TSH will rise but your FT4 will fall. Suppressed TSH can be helpful in reducing Hashimoto's flare ups and antibodies and gluten-free diet can help reduce both.

I hope you'll be lucky soon.

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

[Bumbo in reply to Clutter]

Thank you for your reply clutter. It's so handy to now have information from NICE, not even my 2 nhs endocrinologists had heard about ths having to be lower than 2, and although I had read a lot about it on the internet, I had no official site of reference.

I had never heard of a gluten free diet helping, so I'll look it up as I'll do anything that will help.mmymantibodies were going up, the first time I was tested early this year they were over 400, a few weeks later they were over 500. I don't know what the readings mean so I will have to ask my GP next week.

Thank you so much

[Clutter in reply to Bumbo]

Bumbo, I'm appalled that your endos weren't aware of the NICE recommendation.

When Hashimoto's has been attacking your thyroid antibodies rise. Type Hashimoto's + gluten-free into the HU Search function and Google and you'll find lots of information.

[Bumbo in reply to Clutter]

Thank you for all the information. Saw a different GP in my surgery and so far so good really happy with him, he was more supportive about my thyroid than even my 2 nhs endocrinologists.

Also, I started a gluten free diet 2 weeks ago. Hopefully it will help

Thank you!

[Clutter in reply to Bumbo]

You're welcome, Bumbo Hope things are better from now on.