Subclinical Hypothyroidism?

o_so_in_love

I found out I'm pregnant last Monday AND and am in the high numbers of the normal range for healthy thyroid function. The OB called it sub clinical hypothyroidism. He prescribed a synthetic hormone to regulate my thyroid function. I'm not experiencing symptoms of this condition so if I was not pregnant I wouldn't even consider the medication, but he said if I didn't take it, it could affect the baby's brain development.

On top of that I'm finding research that says a diet change could bring my thyroid levels down, most of which I've been doing for several months now, but if I take synthetic hormones it can stop the function of my thyroid and I will be dependent on the synthetic hormone forever. I would like to take the natural route. I don't want to take the medication but I don't want to hurt my child's brain development either...

This is stressful stuff! Does anyone have any advice or wisdom to share?

aloha_mama

I don't have any experience with this, but absolutely do NOT stop or start taking a prescribed medication without discussing with your doctor first. Research findings can be very tricky and not applicable to a good majority of the population. I know there are some ladies on here that have mentioned hyper/hypothyroidism, though.

rkocur15

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism with my second pregnancy. I would recommend seeing an endocrinologist. They are specialized in this field. Mine was amazing and was very thorough. I was put on synthroid and my little girl was born healthy and perfect!!!!

Laurie12820

I've been hypothyroid and on medication for 9 years now.  Went through my first PG with it and have a beautiful 5 year old.  Please consult an endocrinologist, they are the ones who really know about thyroid (dys)function.  I called my endocrinologist the day I got my BFP and her made sure to bump up my medication dose because it is crucial in the first trimester.  He will monitor my levels throughout pregnancy.

Laurie12820

bookitup said:

Sorry to jump in on your thread, but I also found out I have hypothyroidism this summer. I was never tested with my first, but I think my symptoms really started to develop after I had him. My numbers are close to normal now, I think.

My question is, would you travel 2+ hours to see an endocrinologist? I don't have one locally. Could my regular OB or primary care doctor consult with an endocrinologist? I'm really new to all of this, too! 

My OB office sends my Endo my blood work every time they draw it as does my PCP.  I would see if they could work something out like that and if you had to see the endo a few times out of the 9-10 months then NBD.

JuneBug0611

I think I have subclinical hypothyroidism.  My TSH is in the normal range, but above the guidance for first trimester (I'm at 3.86). I was wondering if I needed to be on thyroid meds after one doctor suggested it, but three other doctors have insisted that I don't need to be on it... that if I was actually hypothyroid they would put me on the meds and then aim for a TSH of 2.0 or lower, but since I'm not hypothyroid I shouldn't mess with it.  

I'm talking to a doctor in the maternal fetal medicine department of the hospital on Monday just to confirm and make sure I understand the rationale, but it sounds like I won't be going on the meds.  Good luck!

mrswarren1221

You could always opt for the natural thyroid supplement. I wouldn't bump up my dosage just because I'm pregnant though. It usually depends on the pregnancy and your levels should ALWAYS be checked before bumping up medication. I had one pregnancy where my levels went up and down all day. But my last pregnancy they never changed at all.

[Deleted User]

I absolutely would take the medication. I found after my loss that I have hypothyroidism - Hashimoto's. My tsh was high for TTC but the antibodies were the real concern.

Your thyroid controls the release of the essential hormones you need to sustain a healthy pregnancy. Having out of wack hormones could cause a loss. They start you on the lowest medication possible, it won't magically turn your natural thyroid functions off, it helps them work. You have to decide what's most important to you, the health of your baby or taking a tiny pill once a day.

If you haven't already seen an endocrinologist you should. They can give you a lot more information and tell you the best course to take while your pregnant. And after your pregnancy if you don't want to take the meds or you want to go natural then you're not endangering your pregnancy.

Good luck