Does anyone know anything about TSH levels and fertility and/or pregnancy? I'm about to start IVF and my level is technically normal range. However, it looks like in America, they treat levels above 2.5 to prevent potential danger to developing baby.
Thank you for any help you're able to provide.
The guidelines are the same here. Your fertility clinic should bed aware
TSH recommended to be under 2.5 for TTC and pregnancy
Pregnancy guidelines
gp-update.co.uk/files/docs/...
thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...
For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4, FT3 plus TPO and TG thyroid antibodies and also very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12
Low vitamin levels are common when TSH is on high side. Good levels of vitamins important for conception too obviously. Especially B12 and folate
Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies or vitamins
thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...
Medichecks Thyroid plus ultra vitamin or Blue Horizon Thyroid plus eleven are the most popular choice. DIY finger prick test or option to pay extra for private blood draw. Both companies often have money off offers.
All thyroid tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, GP will be unaware)
If antibodies are high this is Hashimoto's, (also known by medics here in UK more commonly as autoimmune thyroid disease).
About 90% of all hypothyroidism in Uk is due to Hashimoto's. Low vitamins are especially common with Hashimoto's. Food intolerances are very common too, especially gluten. So it's important to get TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested at least once .
Wow, thank you for the thorough reply! I have found my GP to be completely unhelpful. I will notify IVF clinic of my updated results (my TSH was 2.7 last we met) and I'm meeting with a private endocrinologist on Wednesday. Your message has validated my instinct that I need to speak with someone more knowledgeable. The information you've shared makes me feel more prepared for that appointment. Thank you for taking the time to respond to me!
Thousands on here forced to get private testing.
If endo wants tests done, find out exactly what tests and at the cost
you may do blood tests cheaper via Medichecks or Blue Horizon
Thank you again for your advice! I saw a private endocrinologist and I'm now taking thyroid medication to bring my levels down in preparation of my first IVF cycle at the end of next month. It was such a relief to be taken seriously.
How much Levothyroxine are you prescribed? 50mcg is standard starter dose
Always take Levo on empty stomach and then nothing apart from water for at least an hour after.
Many take early morning, on waking, but it may be more convenient and possibly more effective taken at bedtime.
verywell.com/should-i-take-...
Other medication at least 2 hours away, some like HRT, iron, calcium (including calcium rich foods), vitamin D or magnesium at least four hours away from Levothyroxine
Many people find Levothyroxine brands are not interchangeable. Once you find a brand that suits you, best to make sure to only get that one at each prescription. Watch out for brand change when dose is increased or at repeat prescription.
Many patients do NOT get on well with Teva brand of Levothyroxine. Though it is the only one for lactose intolerant patients
Blood should be retested in 6-8 weeks. Ideally getting vitamins tested as well as TSH, FT3 and FT4 plus both TPO and TG antibodies
All thyroid tests should be done as early as possible in morning and fasting and don't take Levo in the 24 hours prior to test, delay and take straight after. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, GP will be unaware)
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