Pregnancy concerns

[completemoan]

Hi all,

looking for a little support/reassurance.

I had a thyroidectomy last year (Feb 21) and after much tweaking was placed on 100mcg thyroxine. I then fell pregnant in October and my dosage was immediately upped to 150mcg even though levels were normal. Unfortunately this pregnancy subsequently resulted in a missed miscarriage at 12 weeks

My medication was changed and I have been on 125mcg ever since. Having just found out I am pregnant again I ordered blood test and a review.

The results are “TSH : 6.3 but Free T4 normal”

Doctor is concerned with high TSH and has upped me to 150mcg again and ordered blood test in three weeks. Says looks like body is “stressed”

I am just very concerned that already being 6 weeks pregnant with such high TSH levels and given what happened last time with normal levels….am I realistically looking at another possible miscarriage?

I really thought 125mcg would be adequate but equally want to be prepared.

thank you all in advance

[PurpleNails Administrator]

Sorry for your previous loss.

Congrats on new pregnancy.

Higher the TSH the more the signal is to increase hormones. This would normally be the thyroid struggling (or stressed) but as you have no thyroid you need a dose increase.

Most feel well when TSH around 1, but what’s most important is FT4 and FT3 are good in range to support pregnancy. TSH is not reliable, you previously were hyper and now have no thyroid.

“Normal” FT4 might mean just within range. You need to aim for 75% & for FT3 to be over 50% of range (as least)

What are FT4 & FT3 results & range?

Have you had folate, ferritin, vitamin D and B12 tested? These must be optimal to help levo work well & convert well to FT3.

The increase and retest is right step. Normally it would take around 6 weeks to see how a dose affects you but testing sooner to see how your levels are going is the right approach, so try not to be anxious.

Do you test as recommended on this forum?

[completemoan in reply to PurpleNails]

Thanks for the guidance,

He didn’t specify the T4 levels but I have asked for a copy and I will ask for a folate/Ferratin etc screen - I know my folate came back low on a previous blood test around March? But there was no concern raised at all.

Although doctor seemed worried about TSH he found the T4 reassuring but was equally very eager to get levels sorted so I’m glad he’s testing again in three weeks as you said

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

So sorry for your loss and I hope this pregnancy is successful.

I think regular testing is essential, for a successful pregnancy TSH should be no higher than 2.5.

You should be able to find lots of information about having a baby when hypothyroid, here's a good place to start:

thyroiduk.org/having-a-baby/

[pennyannie]

Hey there again :

Sending hugs again and so sorry for your loss.

Have no experience to draw on but remember writing to you previously so just keeping my fingers crossed for you -

[completemoan in reply to pennyannie]

Yes I remember! You were fantastic, thank you so much again

[pennyannie in reply to completemoan]

We will, no doubt talk about living without a thyroid, at later date :

But now let's just help you through the next 9 months - my only assistance could be knitting straight things !!!!

XX

[Mothlight]

Hello, so sorry to hear about your loss.. How did you get on? Got everything crossed for you.In a not too dissimilar situation and not sure where to turn or what will happen. Hoping you had a positive outcome 🌱