Is TSH important in pregnancy when T3/ T4 are in range?

[Feijoa]

Hi there,

I’m 33 weeks pregnant and taking a combo of T3 and T4. When not pregnant I’m not able to utilize T4 at all and do best on 65 mcg of T3 only, but to prepare for pregnancy via IVF I began supplementing T4 for baby. My T3 and T4 were both in range up until recently where my T4 dropped slightly below range. My TSH however is almost nonexistent. My thyroid doctor has managed nearly 14 pregnancies on t3 only where I’m guessing TSH levels (and T4) were also suppressed. He’s not a typical prescriber and thinks I don’t need any T4. I have a lot of eyebrow and eyelash loss and don’t know if this is related to improper treatment, or if too much thyroid is suppressing other hormones or messing with the baby’s own thyroid. Does anyone have personal experience with this? I’d appreciate any advice. Thanks!

Last labs

TSH very low less than .01

T4 slightly below range .6 (Range .8 -1.8)

T3 is midrange at 3.1 (Range 2.3 -4.2)

Reverse T3 is 14 (Range 8-25)

[shaws Administrator]

This link from Thyroiduk.org.uk and the contents within may be helpful for you:-

thyroiduk.org/?s=pregnancy&...

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Interesting that you have a doctor prepared to run pregnancy on T3 alone .....are you in the U.K.?

[Feijoa in reply to SlowDragon]

No. I'm in the States, and it took ages to find a doctor who would treat me properly when not pregnant. Feels a bit experimental to be on T3 alone during pregnancy, but I understand that the baby is already making her own thyroid hormones at this stage. I just wouldn't want her to be dependent on my own need for high dose of T3 after she's born.

[klr31]

I don't know much but I would say T4 is important in pregnancy. Karen

[klr31]

I've just googled it and it looks like T4 is especially important in the first 3 months of pregnancy as baby can't produce its own during that time.Karen

[Feijoa]

I’m supposed to speak with the doctor tomorrow, but he did recommend I stay on the current doses last time we spoke. Unfortunately I’m stressing again as the baby is measuring small. I’m 34 weeks now and worried the baby is getting too much thyroid medication.

Hoping that someone here can tell me if they’ve had experience with this. My TSH is below .01, T3 is mid range and T4 just under the .08 range at .06.