Thyroid levels and miscarriage

[Beacon_of_hope]

hi all, looking for some advice. I’ve had hypothyroidism since 2013. I was hoping to commence an IVF cycle in March (my 3rd round for baby no. 2) I miscarried in October( not sure if this was linked to my thyroid, TSH was 1.53 before I started treatment. I was on steroids and other drugs so not sure of this might have affected my thyroid levels during the cycle. I want to make sure my thyroid levels are right before I go into the next round. These are my recent results. My TSH has plummeted so Dr recommended reducing to 75mg from 100mg daily.

Has anyone had any experience of miscarriage dir to thyroid levels ? ( I know it’s hard to prove)

Dr wants to retest in 8 weeks, anyone know of this could correct itself sooner.

Also looks like my antibodies are high, is there anything that can be done to reduce them?

[MadeinCayman]

Good morning. I’m sorry to hear of your struggles and I’m sure you’ll receive some excellent advice and support on this forum, just as I did. I have hashimotos hypothyroidism and had 3 miscarriages following the birth of my son in 2020. I had no idea that my TSH should’ve been under 2.5 (mine was much higher) so I’m glad that your doctor is helping you to manage this. I took selenium supplements with my first pregnancy and again with my current pregnancy (I’m 34 weeks pregnant) but not with the 3 pregnancies in between so I’ve always wondered if this has been the solution for me. I agree that it’s really difficult to pinpoint causes and remedies but I’ve been reading lots of research around the benefits of selenium and its ability to reduce antibodies. The only reason I took selenium at the time of my first pregnancy was to help reduce hair loss and nail damage/strengthen my nails! Tommy’s have published interesting research studies on the impact of vitamin D on conception and fertility. I started to take supplements 2 months before I conceived. I’ve never taken vitamin D before but I was living in the Caribbean at the time of my first pregnancy so I also wonder if this had an impact. I also take aspirin despite not having any blood clotting disorders (prescribed 75mg at first and now 150mg until 36 weeks). Just thought I’d share my story with you in the hope that it may help you or someone else on their journey. I’m by no means an expert on Hashimotos and hypothyroidism but I’m learning all the time. Good luck to you xx

[SlowDragon Administrator]

When were vitamin D, folate, B12 and ferritin levels last tested

What vitamin supplements are you currently taking

Bring hypothyroid and on levothyroxine, low vitamin levels are common

Low ferritin is linked to increased risk of miscarriage

How long since you stopped steroids

Ft4 and Ft3 are not over range

High thyroid antibodies confirms Hashimoto’s

[humanbean]

I did IVF several times and miscarried three times. This was back in the early 90s (pre-internet). I was told by the clinic that my thyroid was "borderline underactive" but that I didn't need treating. I doubt that doctors knew (or cared) at that time that TSH needed to be below 2.5 to reduce the risk of pregnancy loss. With what I know now I am also convinced that my nutrients levels were probably very poor too.

I would suggest getting nutrient tests done. Your GP might do some nutrient testing if you are very lucky, but you might have to pay privately :

Vitamin B12

Folate

Vitamin D

Ferritin (Iron stores)

Additional tests that might help :

An iron panel, which consists of :

Serum iron

TIBC (Total Iron Binding Capacity)

Transferritin Saturation Percentage

Ferritin

In addition, a CRP (C-Reactive Protein) result might be helpful - it can be informative in connection with a ferritin result.

Some other tests that are nice extras to have if money isn't an issue :

Selenium

Iodine (this must be a non-loading urine test)

Zinc

Copper

Referring to private testing, no doctor is required (which cuts the costs down a lot) if you know where to find the tests. See this link for discount codes :

thyroiduk.org/help-and-supp...

If you haven't done private testing before, ask on the forum if you are ordering the best tests before spending a single penny.

[shaws Administrator]

The following link may be helpful (I hope so).

niddk.nih.gov/health-inform...

[MadeinCayman]

Hi there, just wondering how you are and how you’re getting on/if you had chance to read the responses to your post?