First prescription of Levothyroxin. Is 3 months too long to wait to go back for blood test for TSH levels when trying to conceive?

[JoBean]

I have been prescribed 50mcg of levothyroxin for levels of T4 at 13.5 and TSH at 18 - I have yet to pick up my print out from the GP to see if there is any other info form the tests!

I have been requested to go back in three months time to have bloods done to see what my levels are up to. I am also trying to get pregnant. My GP, who was not very clued up about thyroid, gave me a website to go to which I have found contains clear info but not that useful!

A good friend of mine has passed on her own research into Hypothyroid and pregnancy. She recommended that I go back for bloods more like 6-8wks time and make sure I am getting my levels right down and mentioned that my TSH needs to be closer to 0.2-2 for safe pregnancy. Can anyone shed any extra light?

I also requested them to test for antibodies as my Mother and aunts all have Hashimotos Thyroiditis. but again I do not think my GP knew what I was meaning maybe as there did not seem to be any info about them on the test results? DOES ANYONE IN BRISTOL KNOW OF ANY GP'S OR SPECIALISTS IN THYROID TREATMENT BASED NEAR OR IN THIS AREA??

I think I am feeling a but warmer and I have not had my ususal tired slump late afternoon, so I think that if I am not just making it up in my head that I did have some symptoms and I actually feel better after just 5 days of tablets....is that possible??

[ejh1]

Hi. 6 weeks is the minimum time it takes to reach a steady state as levothyroxine is so long acting - I always get told to wait 3 months, which I believe is quite normal. However, 50mg is a low starting dose, and you will almost definately need an increase or two (unless you are really tiny...).

Just to try to put your mind at ease, I started on levo, with hypothyroidism diagnosed due to infertility, and conceived within 2 weeks of starting it! Make sure if you do get pregnant within the time you're waiting for the next test that you go back early as you will need an increase during pregnancy anyway.

Finally, I usually notice the effects of a dose increase within a couple of weeks, and also notice the effects of a missed dose within days, so you could well be feeling better so early.

Good luck!

Emma

[JoBean in reply to ejh1]

Thanks Emma, it is all such a giant maze of info and medical reports etc. it is sooo great to have real answers form real pepople! I have been worried about trying to get pregnant again before all my levels are sorted out, but I guess just carry on as normal and cross that bridge when we come to it ey!

Thanks for your response

[nobodysdriving]

6 weeks is more than enough for bloods and review, please tell your GP you will have your blood done at 6 weeks.

On the day of the blood test do not take your levo, take it 'after' your blood test or it will give a 'false higher' fT4 level

best wishes for conceiving and a safe/happy pregnancy

ps as you are already trying for a baby you could ask for an endo referral? he/she will test for antibodies though your GP can also do this.

[JoBean in reply to nobodysdriving]

Thank you , I shall look in to doing that referral. And thanks for the blood test tip, I shall give that a try!

[shaws Administrator in reply to JoBean]

NBD is a midwife so has good knowledge.

[nobodysdriving in reply to shaws]

I actually think that often you and other 'enlightened' people on this forum have far more knowledge than me, and 'Helvella' has super knowledge of anything scientific, he's great

[shaws Administrator in reply to nobodysdriving]

I haven't delivered any babies yet!! I think that's a No.1 job.

[nobodysdriving in reply to shaws]

you have! your 'own' baby/babies?

mums are the ones who know how to do it, people like me are just on stand-by to 'support' if ever needed x

[shaws Administrator in reply to nobodysdriving]

It's a distant memory/

[Clarebear]

Hi - just wondering if you might be interested in coming to our Bristol support group? We meet once a month in the cafe at Knowle health park. The next meeting is Friday 2nd march, although I can't make this one myself. I am also having an star one at my house (Bishopston), on sat 16th march, as some people can't make week day meetings. It would be great to see you xx

[Clarebear]

Hi - just wondering if you might be interested in coming to our Bristol support group? We meet once a month in the cafe at Knowle health park. The next meeting is Friday 2nd march, although I can't make this one myself. I am also having an star one at my house (Bishopston), on sat 16th march, as some people can't make week day meetings. It would be great to see you xx

[JoBean in reply to Clarebear]

Oh wow thanks, I may just be able to make one of those. I shall see what my diary says, thanks very much

[Nicky24]

Hi, I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism in late November 2012. My TSH was 8.5 and I was tested every 6 weeks on 3 occasions as they were not going to diagnose or treat me.

My GP then tested for antibodies and my reading showed 614 for positive antibodies. They started me on 25 thyroxine and tested 6 weeks later my tsh was 5.4. Within 2 weeks of being on 25 thyoxine I was pregnant after trying for a long time. I am now tested monthly during pregnancy and my thyroxine is now at 50 and my tsh is 2.3.

So I highly recommend pushing for a 6 week test, I would be tested every 6 weeks until my levels were down to around 2 if I was not pregnant. Now I'm tested every 4 weeks.

Good luck

[evewood1]

I would agree about the TSH being at the low end. I could not conceive when mine was at 2-3.