Which tests need to be done

[Bumbo]

Hello, I have been recently diagnosed with Hashimotos. We have been trying for a baby for over 3 years. Started on Levothyroxine in April (after a long fight for it) and started a gluten free diet 2 weeks ago. I have had THS, T3, T4 and antibodies tested and my current GP and private Endo are focusing on T4 and THS results, which I'm having repeated next week.

I have read a little into thyroid problems and I am confused as to whether I need any other tests such as vitamin B12 and vitamin D? If so how is this linked to Hashimotos and fertility? Are there any other tests I should know about?

[Clutter]

Bumbo, ferritin, vitamin D, B12 and folate are often low or deficient in Hashimoto's/hypothyroid patients and symptoms can be similar to hypothyroid symptoms which is why we advise testing and supplementing to optimise levels. I don't know whether vit/min levels affect fertility but it make sense to optimise them in preparation for pregnancy which makes heavy demands on a woman's body plus low maternal vitD can mean the foetus is lacking in vitD.

Hashimoto's and hypothyroidism do affect fertility which is why NICE recommend the TSH of women attempting to conceive and newly pregnant should be in the low-normal range 0.4-2.0 with FT4 in the upper quadrant of range.

Leave 24 hours between last dose and blood draw and have the draw early in the morning if you can when TSH is highest.

[rose8garden]

I was diagnosed with hypothyroid 6 years ago, trying to conceive from past 7 years but no luck. I have experienced PCOS and missed periods for 5 months, then I started taking it seriously. Since then controlled my diet and started yoga. It will take a while for hormones to get adjusted once you start taking levothyroxine. And other important thing is getting the right dose based on your levels. Blood test every 3 months until your dose is adjusted. I always make sure my TSH is below 2 and above 0.5. Always ask for the test results.

[Heloise in reply to rose8garden]

Low progesterone can cause fertility problems.

youtube.com/watch?v=U15Pcov...(Not working as expected?)

youtube.com/watch?v=HPm-zg7...(Not working as expected?)

[rose8garden]

And also take folic acid along with multivitamins. I usually take pregnacare multi vitamins which includes vitamin D & folic acid.

[Heloise]

Hi Bumbo, I posted two videos on this thread. There are estrogens in our food sometimes due to animals given hormones or plant pesticides which are estrogen based and may affect progesterone. Your adrenals use cholesterol to make sex hormones. These can affect fertility so you may want to view the videos. They are only five mins. long.

[Bumbo]

Thank you Clutter, Rose8garden and Heloise, I really appreciate your advice. I have watched the videos now and I think I'll start monitoring my temperature as I haven't done this before because my progesterone tests are normal.... But this year I have learned the hard way that normal doesn't necessarily mean all is well! I have an appointment with my gp in 2 weeks after having received some confusing blood test results. I will also ask whether he can send me off for some vitamin/mineral tests, or whether I need to go private.

There's just so much to think about that could be causing my problem, it's very overwhelming as I feel like at least my endocrinologists should be experts about this and they don't even know the basics (that my tsh should be lower than 2 if I'm ttc!). They should be guiding me and they seem to have no clue. Sorry about my rant... Just having a bad day about my problems, it'll all be better tomorrow

[Heloise in reply to Bumbo]

In a perfect world.....yes, far from perfect. How about your testosterone level. It's been a while since I watched that video but is that a possibility.

We have to learn so much on our own but you know it's good to know how our body functions. This is another guy I like and seems to share more practical knowledge.

Any of these that have John Bergman under the title.

youtube.com/results?search_...