Thyroid and TTC

cutie9621

So I went to the Dr. this morning to have my thyroid retested. Hopefully it is where it needs to be this time.

 I was wondering what effects a low thyroid can have on TTC. Anyone know what this may do to effect our TTC?

Kathy4678

I have an underactive thyroid and my OB and my RE have both told me that it should be as close to 1 as possible.

Sweets11

I have an underactive thyroid (my TSH levels are high). 

It can potentially cause infertility and early pregnancy loss, but not always.  My SIL had really bad hypothyroidism and she was able to get pregnant in three months and carry/deliver a healthy, happy, baby.

Everyone is different, but your chances are pretty good if your hormones are regulated by meds.  GL!

mchupie

If you are hypothyroid, you are more likely to experience long cycles and annovulation.  I believe it can also cause issues when you do get pregnant.

If the Dr. comes back and tells you that the level is "normal", ask and find out exactly what the level is.  The "normal" TSH level is widely debated, and many women who are told that they have normal levels are unfortunately experiencing some of the problems I described above.

Most REs agree that the TSH level for women who are TTC and pregnant should be between 1-2.  GL!

cutie9621

Thanks for the advice ladies. I have to take Synthroid but only a very low dose. The last time I went in they thought they were close but wanted to try one more bump up to get closer. It is actually my OBGYN that is doing all of this so I'm sure they will get me where I need to be to get my BFP. I have very normal cycles and have O'd the last three months I think. I'm not ready to chart yet. I want to just have fun with DH for a few months.

Thanks for the replies!

ermaderma

mchupie:

If you are hypothyroid, you are more likely to experience long cycles and annovulation.  I believe it can also cause issues when you do get pregnant.

If the Dr. comes back and tells you that the level is "normal", ask and find out exactly what the level is.  The "normal" TSH level is widely debated, and many women who are told that they have normal levels are unfortunately experiencing some of the problems I described above.

Most REs agree that the TSH level for women who are TTC and pregnant should be between 1-2.  GL!

This, this, this!

Mchupie gave me this little bit of advice when I first started posting here and was in the middle of a long, annovulatory cycle and I am soooooo glad that she did!

Also, OP, I HIGHLY suggest seeing an endocrinologist as many OBs or general practitioners aren't well-versed in thyroid matters. Once I started seeing an endocrinologist, my meds were tinkered with and my levels dropped to a more acceptable level for TTC.

ReneeRN

Hi,

I had my IUD (copper) removed in August this year so that i can TTC. I had the IUD in for over 4 yrs and had AF on my own regularly. At that time my OBGYN ordered baseline labs. My TSH was 6.7! She referred me back to my PCP. He started me on Synthroid 0.05mg, and rechecked my labs 2wks later...it was "normal" in the 3's area. Im am unsure about all this hypothyroid stuff...my Chiro doesnt believe i have a hypothyroid becuz I am young and not overweight...I am assuming we continue taking our meds while TTC and during pregnancy? Should I request another lab be done no that i have been on meds for over 2 mons? 

Thanks for all ur help! 

ermaderma

ReneeRN:

Hi,

I had my IUD (copper) removed in August this year so that i can TTC. I had the IUD in for over 4 yrs and had AF on my own regularly. At that time my OBGYN ordered baseline labs. My TSH was 6.7! She referred me back to my PCP. He started me on Synthroid 0.05mg, and rechecked my labs 2wks later...it was "normal" in the 3's area. Im am unsure about all this hypothyroid stuff...my Chiro doesnt believe i have a hypothyroid becuz I am young and not overweight...I am assuming we continue taking our meds while TTC and during pregnancy? Should I request another lab be done no that i have been on meds for over 2 mons? 

Thanks for all ur help! 

Go see an endocrinologist for any thyroid issues. And read mchupie's post about normal levels.

i only get my levels checked every 6 months. and yes, you should continue taking the meds while TTC and during pregnancy. in fact, your dose may increase while you are pregnant.

Nikkoli110

I was actually just at my gyno yesterday and he referred me to a RE. He checked out my bloodwork that I had brought from my regular doctor, and he said I was very unlikely to get pregnant with the levels I have. I was very surprised that I could get into the RE so quickly, my first appointment is Dec 27th, I can't wait! 

I think I've had hypothyroidism for years. For the past 5-6 years I've gained a ton of weight, been exhausted, lost hair, and my cycles are crazy. I had it checked about 4 years ago, and unfortunately didn't ask for the levels but was told it was "low, but not low enough for medication." Since getting off of the pill it was 45 days, 45 days, 34 days, and 50 days. I haven't had a positive OPK  yet, so my gyno says I'm most likely not ovulating. 

I will post when I have my appt and hopefully be able to tell you what I find out, good luck to you!!  

Sweets11

ReneeRN:

Hi,

I had my IUD (copper) removed in August this year so that i can TTC. I had the IUD in for over 4 yrs and had AF on my own regularly. At that time my OBGYN ordered baseline labs. My TSH was 6.7! She referred me back to my PCP. He started me on Synthroid 0.05mg, and rechecked my labs 2wks later...it was "normal" in the 3's area. I am unsure about all this hypothyroid stuff...my Chiro doesnt believe i have a hypothyroid because I am young and not overweight...I am assuming we continue taking our meds while TTC and during pregnancy? Should I request another lab be done now that I have been on meds for over 2 months? 

Thanks for all your help! 

FYI, age/weight don't necessarily indicate thyroid disease.  My SIL is a 5 foot 8, size 5, marathon runner and her TSH levels were insanely high (over 8, yikes!).

I have my thyroid hormone levels tested every 2 - 3 months to make sure they are stable (even on meds they can fluctuate).  I agree with PP, you should probably ask to be referred to a regular endochrinologist.

You should definitely continue taking Synthroid throughout your pregnancy, but your obgyn will be able to discuss that with you once you are pregnant.

ReneeRN

Thanks for ur help sweets and Nikkoli!

I actually have been getting + OPK test results...thats a good sign and my cycles r around 34 days...I am hoping I caught this Hypothyroid issue b4 it takes a toll on my fertility.  I do plan on seeing a RE...prolly in Jan 11 when my ins changes.