High level TSH and fertility

[Mlove12]

Hi all,

I am currently meant to be starting IVF however due to my TSH coming back at 4.6, they are now testing my anti TPO and if this is above 34, then my clinic has suggested that my doctors prescribed me medication, im assuming levothyroxine by the looks if things.

I was just wondering if anyone had had similar and how long it took your high TSH to get down to normal level (2.5 and below)?

Or anyone whos taken the medication and how long it took etc

Thanks

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Regardless of thyroid antibodies result TSH should be under 2.5 before TTC

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 plus both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested.

Very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 at least once year minimum

What vitamin supplements are you currently taking

Low vitamin levels are extremely common, especially with autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto’s or Ord’s thyroiditis) usually diagnosed by high TPO OR high TG antibodies

NHS only tests TG antibodies if TPO are high and over range (more than 34)

Autoimmune thyroid disease with goitre is Hashimoto’s

Autoimmune thyroid disease without goitre is Ord’s thyroiditis.

Both are autoimmune and generally called Hashimoto’s.

In U.K. medics never call it Hashimoto’s, just autoimmune thyroid disease (and they usually ignore the autoimmune aspect)

Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests early morning, ideally before 9am

This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip)

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

List of private testing options and money off codes

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

Medichecks Thyroid plus antibodies and vitamins

medichecks.com/products/adv...

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 down to £26.10 if go on thyroid uk for code

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

monitormyhealth.org.uk/

NHS easy postal kit vitamin D test £29 via

vitamindtest.org.uk

About 90% of all primary hypothyroidism in Uk is due to Hashimoto’s.

Gluten intolerance is often a hidden issue if you have autoimmune thyroid disease. Request coeliac blood test BEFORE considering trial on strictly gluten free diet

Link about thyroid blood tests

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

Link about Hashimoto’s

thyroiduk.org/hypothyroid-b...

List of hypothyroid symptoms

thyroiduk.org/if-you-are-un...

[Mlove12 in reply to SlowDragon]

Hi SlowDragon,

Thank you for responding.

Would you suggest I contact my doctor and ask to be prescribed medication r.e get my TSH lower? Do you roughly know how long it takes the medication to kick in and lower levels as a general?

Regarding supplements, i am taking folic acid, vitamin a, b and d, primrose, omega 3, coq10, multi vitamin, iron- so quite a few!

So if my TPO level is over 34, does this mean i will be diagnosed with thyorid disease and will be medicated for life?

I had my blood tests both at 9am. Just waiting results for TPO.

I may consider getting a private vitamin blood test after results.

Thank you again

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Mlove12]

Technically you should have second test 6 weeks after first test to see if TSH is still high

If any supplements contain biotin you should stop these a week before all blood tests as biotin can falsely affect test results

Did you test vitamin levels before supplementing

Recommend getting full thyroid and vitamin testing done privately via Medichecks or Blue horizon to test TSH, Ft4 and Ft3, both antibodies and all vitamins

Come back with new post once you get results

Folate and B12 are Goldilocks vitamins you don’t want too little or too much pre conception

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Mlove12]

todaysparent.com/pregnancy/...

healthline.com/nutrition/vi...