Advise for what levels need testing when trying for baby

[LJO91]

Hi, I found out I have hypothyroidism a few months ago after having problems trying to conceive. I have put trying for a baby on hold as want to get my levels right first for a safe pregnancy. My TSH levels were 5.5 and since being on levothyroxine they have gone up to 17.8. I was on 25mg and I’m now on 50mg. My doctor doesn’t know why they’ve gone up or what to do really. The only tests they will do are for TSH and freeT4 but I’ve read on here that they should be testing for more. I’ve looked on medichecks and I can get tests including TSH, FT4, FT4, TGab and TPOab for £47 or the same including also rt3 and rt3 ratio and some vitamins for £169. I don’t really understand it myself so was wondering is it worth the extra £122 to have the rt3 included? I wouldn’t even know what to do with the results so has anyone used medichecks and know if they give good advise afterwards? I don’t have any symptoms just want to get everything sorted so I can try for a baby again. Thanks x

[greygoose]

It's really not worth the extra money to get your rT3 tested because it won't give you any useful information. It will tell you if your rT3 is raised, but not why. Raised rT3, in itself, is not a problem.

You do want all the hormone and antibody tests, and if would be good if you can have vit D, vit B12, folate and ferritin tested, also. Because these are often low when we are hypo. But perhaps your doctor could do the nutrient testing?

The reason your TSH went up is because your doctor put you on too low a dose, I would imagine. It often happens. 25 mcg is enough to stop the natural production of your thyroid, but not enough to replace it. Make sure you get retested six weeks after starting 50 mcg levo.

[LJO91 in reply to greygoose]

Thanks for your reply, that’s really helpful 😊

[greygoose in reply to LJO91]

You're welcome.