IVF failure - which tests should I ask for?

I have had two unsuccessful IVF cycles and I have been advised to have my thyroid checked. I am diagnosed hypothyroid (as of 2006) and currently take 75mcg levothyroxine daily. As far as I was aware my TSH levels were fine but I have been told I should look at getting it under 2 for fertility. I have also been advised to be checked for thyroid antibodies.

I am seeing my GP tomorrow to discuss the latest IVF failure and I just want to be as prepared as possible. What should I be asking for? Which tests do I need? It all feels like a bit of a minefield at the moment.

Thanks in advance if anyone can help.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

So what is your TSH at present? And do you by any chance have any other results?

A recent paper (has recently been linked to from this forum) suggested that as soon as pregnancy is known, the mother should increase her dose by 2 tablets a week (that is, if on 75 a day, on two days, take an extra 75 tablet - or equivalent such as one 25 tablet for 6 days). That is approximately the *EXTRA* required.

I have certainly seen the suggestion that 1.2 is regarded as the optimum for conception.

Can I get my head around the IVF people not addressing this issue fully before even trying a cycle? No, sorry, I cannot.

All the best

Rod

[Hidden in reply to helvella]

Thank you very much for your reply.

Unfortunately I don't know my TSH level though I will be asking my GP tomorrow. To be honest I hadn't linked my hypothyroidism to my IVF failures until now and had just put blind faith in my GP when he said my levels were "normal" (though whether they are normal for fertility I don't know).

To be honest I'm feeling quite angry at the moment, having just had to phone my IVF clinic in tears today to report another failure. You would think that clinics would want to check out TSH levels in their patients to improve their stats?!

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to helvella]

I promise you one thing, I am regularly close to tears when I hear about all the thyroid-related issues that affect conception, pregnancy, birth and childhood. And the way in which they are routinely missed, ignored and generally not addressed. As well as the issues that the mothers have with crazy thyroid levels after pregnancy, etc.

All the best

Rod

[Hidden in reply to helvella]

I know, it's shocking really. I saw my GP and he's increased my meds (thankfully). Hopefully I will be able to get my TSH down to 1-2 before my next cycle... thanks again.

<b>Updated on Oct 8 2010 6:51PM:</b> Oh and... my TSH was between 4.4 - 2.4 so not below 2 at any point over the past 4 years!