high TSH levels during first trimester

kbmc1033 · April 2014

I've had hypothyroidism for many years, but my doctor didn't test my TSH levels until I was 10 weeks pregnant. (I wasn't aware I should have gotten my TSH tested right away when I had a positive home pregnancy test!). At 10 weeks, my TSH levels were 8.66. T3 is 2.0 and T4 is 1.31. I've been told 1st trimester levels should be lower than 2.5. I've just now started taking an increased dose of Levothyroxine. I'm VERY concerned that my levels weren't monitored sooner in my first trimester... and it's difficult to get any doctor on the phone. Any advice on what to do? Should I be alarmed? Should I be taking an iodine supplement?

VERY WORRIED!

kbmc1033 · April 2014

I'm more concerned about what elevated levels of TSH will do a baby during the first trimester. (Mental/developmental disorders, deafness, etc). My TSH levels were never where they were supposed to be during the first trimester (they should be below 2.5). Which is frightening.

kz's_girlygirl · April 2014

I would definitely request to be monitored more frequently so your dose can be adjusted as needed to maintain proper levels. GL!

Dubsgirlie · April 2014

My levels were elevated and my doctor said it's common during first tri. They aren't even going to retest for another 4.5 weeks at which time I'll be almost 20 weeks, but that there's no point in testing sooner than that.

moroccojade · April 2014

I am so sorry.

You don't need iodine. But definitely take your increased dose of Levothyroxine religiously. (I might even request non generic Synthroid.) I hope your dr increased your dose by at least 50%.

People think I am crazy when I tell them my endo increases ALL pregnant women's dose by 50% right off the bat. As soon as they get their + test.   But he is trying to prevent this from happening.    (Which he does, fortunately.)

Go for blood tests every four weeks. Your TSH should be a 1 or 2 at the most. If it is even a 3 or 4, up your dose of thyroid replacement again.

marajay6 · April 2014

She are they going to recheck? I hope within a few weeks.

Take your medications on an empty stomach. I taken mine first thing in the morning then wait1 hour to eat (sometimes I don't make it - food helps chase away nausea). Take your prenatal sat the opposite time of day. Thyroid in the morning, vitamins before bed.

Bonnesetter27 · April 2014

I found out I had hypothyroidism during my first pg when they tested at 10 weeks. My levels were like 10 something. I was really worried like you are. My ds is almost 3 now and is perfect (he is also really smart, and intelligence is one of the concerns for thyroid disorders).

byrne15 · April 2014

I also take synthroid. Do you get regular blood draws anyway to make sure your TSH levels are ok even when you aren't pregnant??

I'm getting another draw done tomorrow (4w2d), but that is because I asked them too probably.

sundvldrea · April 2014

If you find an answer, please let me know. I am curious about that as well, because after getting my BFP I went to my doctor for a confirmation appointment, and after running a blood test they said my TSH level was causing a false positive ( My TSH is 7.6). I'm 90% sure that's inaccurate, so I want to take care of myself until I can find a new doctor.

sundvldrea · April 2014

NariaDreaming said:

sundvldrea said:

If you find an answer, please let me know. I am curious about that as well, because after getting my BFP I went to my doctor for a confirmation appointment, and after running a blood test they said my TSH level was causing a false positive ( My TSH is 7.6). I'm 90% sure that's inaccurate, so I want to take care of myself until I can find a new doctor.

They think your TSH is causing a false positive pregnancy test? WTF- RUN THE HELL AWAY from that doctor.

Yeah, I'm not going back.

sundvldrea · April 2014

theresat858 said:

NariaDreaming said:

sundvldrea said:

If you find an answer, please let me know. I am curious about that as well, because after getting my BFP I went to my doctor for a confirmation appointment, and after running a blood test they said my TSH level was causing a false positive ( My TSH is 7.6). I'm 90% sure that's inaccurate, so I want to take care of myself until I can find a new doctor.

They think your TSH is causing a false positive pregnancy test? WTF- RUN THE HELL AWAY from that doctor.

This, but also call a new doctor ASAP. If you are pregnant with a TSH of 7.6, you need to be started on Synthroid ASAP - as in, yesterday.

She prescribed me Levothyroxine, I looked it up to make sure it was a Category A drug, so I've been taking it.

MrsFelts · April 2014

I found out I had hypothyroidism in my first pregnancy. Unfortunately we didn't get it under control soon enough and I miscarried at 12 weeks. The second time around we monitored it really well. I had to change my dosage of levothyroxine tons of times during my pregnancy. As long as you aren't having bleeding and things still look good start taking your prescription as directed asap, and you and baby will be fine.