Hi! I'm new here!
My husband and I were hoping to start trying for a family this year but this has now been put on hold as I try and get myself in good health after being diagnosed with Graves' disease in May 2021 (positive TRAbs at 17.5 (range 0-1.5)).
I have been seeing an endocrinologist who is recommending I stick with antithyroid drug treatment with Carbimazole for 12-18 months (likely ending Sep 2022) before starting a family. She says I am responding so well to the medication, but I am left with a few concerns:
- By the time we get to end 2022 we will have postponed trying for a family by approx. 2 years
- The risk of relapsing after antithyroid drug treatment is fairly high (about 50-70% based on what I've read?)
- The risk of relapsing after pregnancy is even greater (about 80% based on what I've read?)
- I am fearful of relapsing and having to go down the definitive treatment route anyway (radioactive iodine or surgery).. so wondering whether I may as well take the leap and do it already to be able to start a family sooner
I can't seem to find any examples of women my age who are wanting to start a family and who are being advised to stay on medication and postpone trying to conceive by 2 years. Is anyone else in a similar position?
Am I on the right course of action given I'm of child bearing age and wanting to start a family soon - to remain on the small dose of 5mg Carbimazole until Sep 2022 (assuming my results remain in range) and then stop medication with the hopes that I will stay in remission even through (hopefully) future pregnancies.
My results and medication information since March 2021 are as follows...
Ranges:
T3 (3.1-6.8)
T4 (12-22)
TSH (0.27-4.2)
22/03/21
T3 30.7
T4 62.5
TSH <0.01
GP prescribed 20mg Carbimazole and 2x10mg of Propranolol per day
Endo was seen and I was told to remain on 20mg Carbimazole and increase to 3x10mg Propranolol per day
15/04/21
T3 11.4
T4 28.3
TSH <0.01
Endo reduced to 10mg Carbimazole, same Propranolol
10/05/21
T3 7.9
T4 19.6
TSH <0.01
Endo reduced to 5mg Carbimazole, same Propranolol
24/05/21
T3 6.3
T4 18.6
TSH <0.01
Remain on same Carb and Prop
28/06/21
T3 6.3
T4 19
TSH <0.01
Increase to 7.5mg Carb, same Prop
23/07/21
T3 4
T4 14.5
TSH 0.03
Remain on same Carb and Prop
27/08/21
T3 3.6
T4 11.5
TSH 2.65
Decrease to 5mg Carb and slowly stop taking Prop altogether over 2 weeks
5/10/21
T3 4.1
T4 13.2
TSH 2.00
Remain on 5mg Carb, no Prop
19/11/21
T3 4.3
T4 14.4
TSH 2.20
Remain on 5mg Carb, no Prop
Thanks so much in advance for any thoughts or words of encouragement!