Hashimoto's & TTC

kjmullaney1

Does anyone have advice about TTC w/Hashimoto's? I was just diagnosed with Hashimoto's last week but have had a hypothyroid for about 6 months now. Since being diagnosed I have had a totally wonky menstrual cycle- going about 3 months with no cycle then an entire month of bleeding and now it's been over a month and no menstrual cycle. Any advice on how to figure out if I'm ovulating without having a menstrual cycle? Is temp'ing my best option or am I just out of luck until my menstrual cycle returns?

 Thanks!

catT81

Temping is your best bet to finding out if you're ovulating or not.  Do you have an endocrinologist that's treating you for the Hashimoto's?  Because they might be able to help you figure out what's going on with your cycles as well.  When I was originally diagnosed with Hashimoto's mine offered to help, but at that point we weren't anywhere near ttc so I passed on it.

 

My current RE has told me that I need to get my TSH levels under 2.5 before I get pregnant (they were a little high), but aside from that doesn't seem to have any concerns about my hypo.   

kjmullaney1

No I haven't seen an endo yet- I'm still working on getting my levels straight with my PA. She said if this medication dosage doesn't work then she'll refer me to an endo for further help 

claywalker

You'll definitely need to make sure your levels are OK before even TTC. How long have you been TTC? You might just want to go straight to a RE. The RE will want your TSH at a different number than your MD or endo - and it takes time to get your TSH under control with Hashimoto's. From what I have been told, you likely aren't ovulating if your TSH is not under control. 

  

kjmullaney1

We have only been TTC for a very short period of time, would I even be able to get in with an RE if we've been trying for less than 6 months?

catT81

With your cycles as wonky as they are (3 months, then a 1 month bleed, then another month) I'd say that at the very least you should see a gynecologist.  It might not be time for an RE if it's been under 6 months, but getting your hypo under control and figuring out why your cycle is so off could be good steps before you start with one.

kjmullaney1

I've seen the gyno who ruled out PCOS and basically said lets get your levels right and then try for 6  months and then if nothing at that point to see a fertility specialist

claywalker

yeah that makes sense, I figured you had been trying longer. GL!!

catT81

I tend to agree.  If you know your thyroid's wonky, get that under control and if it's still not happening, see an RE at that point.

 

Good luck!  

kobrie01

***siggy warning***

 Hope you don't mind me posting. I have Hashi's. I would recommend seeing a good endo. Mine likes to see my TSH under 2 but also normal levels of Free T4. I finally conceived via IVF and am having the endo check my levels every 4-6 weeks. GL! 

dkk2008

Sorry I am late on this.  I also was just diagnosed with Hashimoto's.  My hubby and I have been seriously TTC for over a yearr now (by that I mean ovulation predictor kits most months and clomid  5 cycles). Found out my TSH was over 8 at routine blood draw. My gyno's PA put me on meds.  Long story short, it went to over 15 even with the meds at my last check!  I went to a Reproductive Endocrinologist and am SO HAPPY that I did!  She did the test for hashi's and put me on Synthroid (I was on generic) she said that the generic of this med especially can be 30% above or below the dosage (even if you continually use the same pharmacy), so it is hard to get numbers under control on it.  I too have crazy cycles, but always got a positive result on my monitor for ovulation.  She wants to have me get my FSH and estradiol checked at day 3 of my period and do a sonohysterogram to make sure I dont have anything else going on!  So I guess I should ask you ladies that have this,,, does that sound right to do all of that before my TSH levels are back down?

Best of luck to you,,, my advice go see a RE! (even if you have to lie and say you have been trying a yr) because I wish I would have gone sooner! 

dkk2008

Oh and I wouldn't even bother with the temp taking right now!  I did that for 6 mos and it was a waste!  If your TSH and T4 numbers stabilize and you notice your cycles are about the same in length, then I would do the temps to see if you are ovulating...... Otherwise the chances of you conceiving and holding a pergnancy (from what I was told)  is very low!

Kathy4678

GO TO AN ENDOCRINOLOGIST. Like now. 

Don't mess with your thyroid.