IVF and Thyroid

[natmitch]

Hi All, Earlier this year I had a failed round of IVF due to OHSS.

Since then (March) I have been feeling progressively more and more unwell- just completely out of whack hormonally and physically. Graves disease runs in my family (every close female relative has it), so I visited the doctor and asked for my thyroid function to be tested, which she (reluctantly) agreed to. They've asked me to go back for a repeat test in three months as my levels were TSH: 0.97 and T4: 23.

My concern for waiting another three months is that a) my chances of conceiving either naturally or through another round of IVF will be impacted if my thyroid isn't running at optimum level and b) I am already feeling worse than I did a few weeks ago, so what will I feel like in three months?

Should I wait it out or insist on bloods sooner/ a referral?

Thanks in advance,

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Suggest you get full private testing

Just TSH and FT4 is completely inadequate

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 . Plus TSI or TRab antibodies tested for Graves

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 special offers, Medichecks usually have offers on Thursdays, Blue Horizon its more random

All thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. This gives highest TSH and most consistent results . (Patient to patient tip, best not mentioned to GP or phlebotomist)

If TPO or TG antibodies are high this is usually Hashimoto's, (also known by medics here in UK more commonly as autoimmune thyroid disease). But TPO or TG antibodies can be raised with Graves' disease

Private testing for suspected Graves - TSI or TRab antibodies

medichecks.com/thyroid-func...

About 90% of all hypothyroidism in Uk is due to Hashimoto's.

Low vitamins are especially common with Hashimoto's or Graves. Food intolerances are very common too, especially gluten. So it's important to get ALL thyroid antibodies tested at least once .

Link about thyroid blood tests

thyroiduk.org/tuk/testing/t...

Link about antibodies

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

Hashimoto's

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

List of hypothyroid symptoms

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

Come back with new post once you have results and ranges

[natmitch in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you. I’ll get some proper tests organised.