This forum has been extremely helpful in getting my life back on track after having my thyroid removed in 2016 due to thyroid cancer. Itās been a while since Iāve had bloods done (probably a year) but TSH was sitting at <0.01.
Weāve recently been undergoing fertility treatment and have had 3 failed IVF rounds. Everything goes to plan until that embryo goes back in me and I donāt get pregnant. My consultant explores with me at my last meeting whether Iād consider reducing my medication to increase TSH to optimum for getting pregnant (between 1&2). Now thereās obviously the issue with the cancer but for me, if I drop for 175mcg to 150mcg I trip up my feet, my hair falls out, I feel terrible. So how could that support a pregnancy when Iād then be scrambling to get medication back to a level to make me feel good again whilst also supporting the pregnancy. So I ruled that out .
Iām seeing my cancer consultant soon for check up and want to talk to him about this. I run hot on 175mcgās of Levo only - maybe that doesnāt help pregnancy? I then supplement with b12/calcium/vitD/magnesium (from advice on here).
But is this the only way?
My TSH doesnāt need to be as low as it is, but can I reduce the Levo and still feel normal?
Listening to all your advice and thanks in advance x
Written by
Olivia80
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
You always need to test FT3 and FT4 as well. Frequently on just Levothyroxine FT3 is too low
For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 tested. Also extremely important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12
Low vitamin levels are extremely common, especially if FT3 is not high enough
Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. Last Levothyroxine dose should be 24 hours prior to test, (taking delayed dose immediately after blood draw). This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, best not mentioned to GP or phlebotomist)
Is this how you do your tests?
Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies or all vitamins
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
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.
Other medication at least 2 hours away, some like HRT, iron, calcium, 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
Come back with new post once you have results and ranges
Hi, this is how I take pills/vitamins and do blood tests following your previous advice.
Iām aware that TSH alone isnāt a fair guide but for the purposes of the āunexplained fertilityā and what the fertility doc said about TSH levels, Iām curious as to what other ways of treating this there may be, to increase TSH whilst maintaining my current ability to have a life!
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Very Low TSH normal T4/T3 Doc wants to lower Levothyroxine dose
Could it be just the low ferritin? 
Low tsh, normal ft4/ft3
Low TSH, normal T4 and T3
