Hello, I wondered if anyone could help me with this query. I have been trying to conceive for two and a half years. After the first six months or so I found I had hypothyroidism with a sky high TSH of 31.2.
It took nearly a year to get this under control and it sits at .42 now. Docs persuaded me that my infertility was unexplained and that I needed IVF because of my age (37) even though nothing else was found wrong. This ended in a biochemical pregnancy. I went to see a new consultant privately who asked my GP to test for antithyroid peroxadase antibodies. Mine are >1300 so basically off the chart.
I have now been advised that I will not conceive naturally and that I need IVF with steroids. I still have days when I feel pretty dreadful even though my TSH is in range. I am off to see a private endo next week and wanted any top tips for my appointment (might as well get my money's worth!) Anyone else know anything about these antibodies and conception? Sorry for the long post!!
Thanks in advance for any responses.
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Jenbot78
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Sorry to hear your story. Doctors do not take autoimmunity seriously so refuse to believe the reprocussions of a continued high thyroid antibody count.
There are many studies showing a significant association between the presence of thyroid autoantibodies, infertility and higher miscarriage rate. Thyroid hormones interfere with numerous aspects of reproduction and overt thyroid dysfunction should be treated in infertile women before an assisted fertilisation procedure is planned.
Well managed Hashimotos has the potential to reverse infertility and reduce the risk of miscarriage and encourage good health and development of baby. Normal thyroid hormone level is critical and the amount will increase due to baby depending on Mums supply (during the first trimester) and Mums own increasing requirements.
Some doctor increase thyroid meds preconception as hormones take a while to adjust. This will also help to suppress Hashi attacks which are dangerous to baby as thyroid hormones may become periodically deficient.
If you still feel dreadful your thyroid hormones may not be balanced inspite of good test results. This is because the test only measures the blood circulating hormone and not what is happening on a cellular level. To reduce thyroid antibodies (and so inflammation) you will need adequate levels of cortisol, all nutrients and iron, address any gut issues so absorption is good, and eat regular meals to keep blood sugar stable.
I hope your new endo offers you better support than your previous doctors and wish you loads of luck.
Others with experience of this may offer their advice.
Hello, I am new to all of this as well but I have read that going gluten & dairy free can help reduce the antibodies. I have gone gluten free and am going to go dairy free. I have also heard that steroids (prednisone) can help. My endo said that a lot of his patients who get their thyroid medication right get pregnant naturally almost immediately. I wish you the best of luck.
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