Synthroid?

easttxmamas

So I got my prenatal blood work back from my RE. Turns out, my thyroid is off. TSH should be 2.5 and mine is 5.7. He is putting me on Synthroid. Anyone have any experience with this, during or not during pregnancy? 

I also have to get the MMR and chickenpox vaccines. Chickenpox is given two in a 28 day time period and you can't get pregnant for a month after. Needless to say, I am rushing to get it done this week so it doesn't set me back another cycle! 

All just steps needed for the end goal, right? If only I didn't hate needles....

maureenmce

Hey there!  I have a thyroid autoimmune disease, so I've been on thyroid meds for years, including during my previous pregnancy.  I'm on levothyroxine, not synthroid, but they're very similar and are both completely safe for pregnancy.  It is very, very important to keep your thyroid stable in within a certain range while trying to conceive and during pregnancy, so getting on medication and being monitored is the absolute best thing for you!    Getting your TSH at or under 2.5 is especially important for TTC, so it's awesome that they caught this and are helping your get your numbers right.  

Did they figure out why your thyroid was off?  Is it hypothyroidism or did they test you for the antibodies that indicate the thyroid autoimmune disease (hashimoto's thyroiditis)?  If it's the latter, you'll want to find an endocrinologist (your OB or RE could refer you) to monitor your thyroid levels during pregnancy.  Generally they check it once per trimester.

Oh, and they probably told you this, but it typically takes about 4 weeks for thyroid meds to have a detectable effect on your numbers, so for instance, I just had to have my meds increased so my endocrinologist wants me to wait at least 4 weeks before TTC.  But, of course, that's up to your doctor and your specific situation. That's just the general rule of thumb my endocrinologist told me.

Sorry for so much info thrown at you!  Let me know if you have any questions!

easttxmamas

@maureenmce: THANK YOU!! I am good with tons of information. The more, the better!

They didn't say why my numbers are off. My T3 and T4 are fine; it is just my TSH that is off. I assume they didn't think it was too much of a concern since they aren't doing additional testing. They simply said to start taking the medication and I will have my labs redone in a few weeks. We are planning on waiting until the end of May, so I am thankful we have a couple of months to get it right and figure out if this dosage will work.

livingthedream-3

I've been on synthroid for years. Super pregnancy and nursing safe. They'll monitor your levels a little closer during pregnancy and might adjust your meds, but you're good. 

I second having them run your Thyroid antibody blood work, and I was always told 4-6 weeks as well. My levels are kind of crazy so I actually have to get tested every 2 weeks in pregnancy.

notthefather

No advice but best of luck! I have friends who struggle with thyroid issues. It seems that finding what works for you and staying on top of changes is the biggest hurdle. 

easttxmamas

@notthefather: I am hoping it'll be a super simple fix and my labs will be fine when I go on the 14th. Fingers crossed!!

livingthedream-3

@easttxmamas just had my recent thyroid labs this week and my TSH was 5.8, so I'm right there with ya. I actually expected them to be high because I have a new Endo who is not following the recommendations of my last Endo who knows my history and they didn't give me enough of a med boost, so I'm actually pretty happy they aren't higher.  

easttxmamas

LivingTheDream said:

@easttxmamas just had my recent thyroid labs this week and my TSH was 5.8, so I'm right there with ya. I actually expected them to be high because I have a new Endo who is not following the recommendations of my last Endo who knows my history and they didn't give me enough of a med boost, so I'm actually pretty happy they aren't higher.  

You are definitely right there with me! I am finishing up week 1 of 75 mg/day. I go back on the 14th to see how it's going, so we will see. Fingers crossed for good news for both of us!!