Pregnant with hypothyroidism

[Ncwhitehead]

Positive pregnancy test with hypothyroidism. Should Dr have automatically increased my dosage before waiting for a blood test result?

[Nanaedake]

If it were me, I would want blood test evidence before making any dose changes. I would also be keen to arrange regular monitoring now. You could look up pregnancy guidelines to find out what is recommended.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Guidelines say yes immediately increase dose by 25mcg ...but when were levels last tested

How much levothyroxine are you currently taking

What vitamin supplements are you currently taking

Do you have Hashimoto’s

Pregnancy guidelines

thyroiduk.org/having-a-baby-2/

gp-update.co.uk/files/docs/...

Re dose increase See pages 7&8

btf-thyroid.org/Handlers/Do...

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 plus both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested. Also EXTREMELY important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

Low vitamin levels are extremely common, especially if you have autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's) diagnosed by raised Thyroid antibodies

Ask GP to test vitamin levels

Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and before eating or drinking anything other than water .

Last dose of Levothyroxine 24 hours prior to blood 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)

If/when also on T3 or NDT make sure to take last half or third of daily dose 8-12 hours prior to test, even if this means adjusting time or splitting of dose day before test

Private tests are available as NHS currently rarely tests Ft3 or thyroid antibodies or all relevant vitamins

List of private testing options

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

Medichecks Thyroid plus vitamins including folate (private blood draw required)

medichecks.com/products/thy...

Thriva Thyroid plus antibodies and vitamins By DIY fingerpick test

thriva.co/tests/thyroid-test

Blue Horizon Thyroid Premium Gold includes antibodies, cortisol and vitamins by DIY fingerprick test

bluehorizonbloodtests.co.uk...

If you can get GP to test vitamins and antibodies then cheapest option for just TSH, FT4 and FT3

£29 (via NHS private service ) and 10% off if go on thyroid uk for code

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

monitormyhealth.org.uk/thyr...

Medichecks - JUST vitamin testing including folate - DIY finger prick test

medichecks.com/products/nut...

Medichecks often have special offers, if order on Thursdays

[Carelia]

Hi, I am also newly pregnant with underactive thyroid. I am monitoring my thyroid levels every 3 months, and my doctor is supportive in providing me doctor's referral for blood tests. We then review the results and decide if we alter the medication slightly.

The earlier reply from admin which provides the ideal range for 1st trimester is in line with what I have been told by fertility consultants and thyroid specialist.

[MagdaN]

Congrats on your BFP!🥳 I’ve done a blood test the day before the transfer date, results were for me -TSH 3.35 which is normal, but during pregnancy should be below 2.5. I mentioned to my GP, sadly he didn’t want to increase the dose. I had a luck with my fertility specialist who increased the dose for me by 25mcg. Also, monthly blood tests should be done and monitored by specialist.

I recommend to check with a specialist or GP before any increase in dosage.