TSH levels?

Marissa6609

I am currently between cycles and trying to focus on getting healthier, working out more, eating better, possibly losing some weight too. With that being said, I have always suspected that I have had a thyroid issue because I am always cold (specifically, my hands and feet are ice cold), have year round dry skin, thinning hair and I have a hard time losing weight. I know these symptoms could be nothing, but I started researching TSH levels, specifically with regards to infertility and IVF. I found that some doctors won't even attempt IVF unless TSH is under 2.5, which has me further concerned about my level.

In February of this year I had complete blood work done before moving to my RE. My TSH was tested, it was 3.77 which falls in the normal range for some doctors and is high for others. My doctor said this was normal and nothing else has been done (and I didnt think much of it because my doctor said it was normal).  I did not have T4 or T3 testing done.

For those of you that have experiance or knowledge about TSH/ Thyroid issues, can you  let me know what I should get tested and what questions I should be asking my doctor to rule out any issues? I am seeing my doctor tomorrow and would like to be as prepared as possible.

Thank you!

Marissa6609

@lemonliz - thank you for the information! Both my OB and RE have ordered TSH testing, and the results were both very similar - neither doctor had an issue with my levels. Both old school, I suppose   I am glad I noticed it and I hope that addressing it will at least give me piece of mind.

Thank you!

lebradford

I would push to retest. My RE will let you cycle with anything under 5, but he medicates anything over 2.5. (Like, mine was 4.something and he gave me Synthroid, but if it's not at the ideal spot yet, I can still move forward with IVF (unless it gets over 5).

bears1011

I was tested before starting IVF and my TSH was 3.4 so they put me on levothyroxine because they want it under 2.5 for pregnancy. I had it rechecked after 6 weeks (which happened to be the same day as my first beta) and it was down to 3.04. They increased my dosage because pregnancy usually elevates TSH so often you have to increase your dosage. I'm hoping when I get it rechecked that it's closer to 2.5. They aren't rechecking for another 6 weeks and didn't seem super concerned that it was 3.04 but they still would like to get it down further.

I've gotten my thyroid tested multiple times and have never been told (even by another RE) that it was too high. This doctor is different and the new threshold is becoming more the norm. If I weren't ttc and/or pregnant then I wouldn't bother with medication. But in pregnancy my doctor said a TSH over a 4 isn't good.

So I would definitely inquire about going on levothyroxine!

mariana81

I had the same problem, my TSH was 3 and before starting the cycle my RE put me on levonthyroxine, the lowest dose, and now my TSH is 2.3. My RE said that 3 is normal but for ivf purposes, she preferes TSH<2.5.
Maybe you should ask about it...

Marissa6609

Thanks ladies! I will definitely be asking about this tomorrow.

tumbleweed123

lemonliz said!

And also...just as more info...my current RE wants mine under 2.  My first RE wanted it around or just under 1.  

I would definitely ask whether they might consider treating you with Synthroid.  Also, assuming you are successful, it is very likely that your TSH will shoot up with pregnancy.  So, might as well get a jump on it now.  

OceanHutt

Newbie here, even with us not moving forward with IVF till I lose more weight, RE put me on Synthroid to even me out in preparation as she stated that often high thyroid levels can increase M/C

i lowered it to a 2.2 with diet and exercise before meeting my RE....Re did my levels and found that I was at 4.18 so I was cycling high and low for awhile. In under a month Synthroid brought me down to a 1.18 I think?

Hope it helps, it also has made me feel better.

Any of you ladies still experiencing hair loss following Synthroid?

ksgsmu

PAIF/ Ticker warning ****

I have Hashimotos hypothyroidism.  I cannot get pregnant with levels over about 2.0 and I can't maintain my pregnancies when they get over that range either.    You really need  a full panel with T3/T4 and antibodies tested to get a true picture!  This should be standard!  I feel SO MUCH better  when my numbers are under 2.0! Like night and day!  You may have to push your doctors on this one-- be your own advocate! Also do your research regarding TSH new standards etc.. 

here is a good link  https://thyroid.about.com/cs/testsforthyroid/a/labs2003.htm

Sunny B

Many have already shared, but I'd look further into this. My RE wanted my TSH under 2.5, and my Endocrinologist thinks it should be closer to 1.