I had three chemical pregnancies last year, after which it was noted that my TSH was around 4/4.5 (other thyroid counts normal/optimal, TPO also optimal) and had been for quite some time.
Levels normalised to 1.5 on 50mg and after 3 months I now have a positive pregnancy test. The Thyroid Clinic at the maternity hospital seems to think I should stay on 50mg. I understood I should increase the dose by 50% to 75mg?
Thank you!
cks.nice.org.uk/hypothyroid...
In the above link, the last sentence in the text says :
Women with known thyroid dysfunction who are taking levothyroxine may need the dose increased by 30–50% from as early as 4–6 weeks gestation [De Groot et al, 2012].
How do you feel now, compared to before starting on Levo?
In your shoes I would suggest getting your nutrients tested - iron, ferritin, vitamin B12, folate, vitamin D. It is very common for these to be low in people who are hypothyroid, pregnant or not. Do some research into possible effects of low levels of nutrients in pregnancy. Low levels are best avoided to maximise your own health and that of the foetus.
Note that optimal levels of nutrients aren't always mid-range or top of range - it really depends on the nutrient being investigated, although if I have no other information to go on I would always aim for mid-range with any nutrient.
Ask the receptionists at your surgery for copies of blood test results and reference ranges from the last couple of years to see what your doctor has tested.
Thank you - I am not in the UK so cannot open the link but your quote is useful.
I am having my bloods taken regularly, full count, at 4 weeks pregnant all was ok. I will be retested at 8 weeks.
I feel fine. I am self medicating with 25mg extra anyway.
I was on NaturThyroid for one month in December and my levels then were better than ever, but the consultant pointed out the levels in NaturThyroid cannot be guaranteed and so switched me back to Levo.
The bit I quoted has the following source/reference which you might find of interest :
Management of Thyroid Dysfunction during Pregnancy and Postpartum: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline
academic.oup.com/jcem/artic...
Your consultant was wrong about NaturThyroid being unreliable. Thyroid treatments that use pig thyroid have been regulated by the FDA for decades, just like all other prescription-only drugs, medications and hormones, and the regulations for how much T4 and T3 they contain can be found in the US Pharmacopeia.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unite...
Pig thyroid treatments may have been unreliable at one time - decades ago - but the pharmaceutical companies are keeping this propaganda alive for their own purposes. The medical profession likes Levo so they never do anything to debunk the idea. I'm sure quite a few doctors believe it completely as well.
Your consultant doesn't know what they are talking about to say that levels in Nature throid can't be guaranteed. This is very OLD thinking. If your numbers were good on it, I'd insist that they keep you on it. Sorry...so called medical professionals that say these stupid things just make me crazy!
To be honest, my T3 shot up to levels way above optimal and normal ranges, which is what caught his attention.
Oh, you said your numbers in December were better then ever on Naturethroid. If your T3 was over range, all the consultant needed to do was lower your Naturethroid a bit. Then check it again with your next blood work.
Hi, I was placed on NT in December. My levels were good already (optimal) and continuted to be even more optimal on NT! Then the T3 went too high.
I am very fortunate in the country I live in, with specialist endo care within each maternity hospital, and GPs who will do full BC whenever requested, so really my question was to check the NICE guidelines ahead of my next appointment. Thank you all, I am more confident on where I am going now.
I think you need to be under a specialist who can look after you during your pregnancy. Which country are you in?
I'm in Ireland. I saw the consultant endocrinologist at the Thyroid Clinic in the maternity hospital at 5 weeks. My GP tested everything (full blood count) at 4 weeks. I will be tested again at 8 weeks.
The consultant endo was confident I could remain on 50mg levo, but I have since read on here I should increase that in early pregnancy.
That is quite a low dose, I would do as much research as you can.
Here is a link which might help
btf-thyroid.org/thyroid-dis...
Thank you. I will simply go on self-medicating the recommended 25mg extra, as per your link, and see what the next bloods say. I am fortunate in that I needed very little levo to bring my levels to optimal.
Pregnancy guidelines
thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...
gp-update.co.uk/files/docs/...
thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/guidel...
See pages 7&8 - clear advice to increase dose as soon as pregnancy is confirmed
I would trust the dr. You will DEFINITELY know when your levels are off and you and baby need more. I started feeling crazy about 6/7 weeks and called my dr. We re-tested and I was around 13. The dr. adjusted my meds right away. Test as frequently as they allow. Be your own advocate! You’ve got this! You know your body.
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