To be or not to be (a mom)

[DaftA]

I am in the age where the fertility just begins to drop. I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism 2 years ago, and since then have been on modern medication to control the Grave's disease.

As I continue to live with the the disease managed by medication, I get anxious about the decision to start a family. On one hand the next 2 years appear to be my only chance at it, and on the other, the flares, the disease the medication don't really seem like a conducive environment for it. Any thoughts?

[PurpleNails Administrator]

Do you have your results?

For full thyroid function you need

TSH

FT4

FT4

Thyroid antibodies

TPO antibodies

TG antibodies

TSI or TRab antibodies to confirm Graves

Also important to test

B12

Folate

ferritin

Vitamin D

What antithyroid medication do you take & how much? Carbimazole is usually used as first choice but propylthiouracil (PTU) in used in pregnancy.

If well controlled women can have healthy pregnancies but from the sound of it you have not been very stable since being diagnosed? How often are you monitored & is the dose adjusted according. Have you been trialled on block & replace. Higher dose of antithyroid to block and replacement to ensure levels not too low.

What do doctors advise? You would need extra monitoring & care during pregnancy. Often doctors suggest treatment to prevent the possibility of becoming hyper.

Has the option of thyroid surgery every been discussed?

There is also the option of Radioactive iodine but trying for a family must be delayed after this treatment, so this would not be a suitable option at this time.