hypothyroidism and IF??

sarah_beth2005

hey ladies,

So I ran across an article today that said hypothryoidism (low thyroid) is a major cause of unexplained IF.  I read several other articles, and a lot of the symptoms match up for me (irregular cycles, always cold, occasional constipation, fatigue, occasional depression), and I read that can be a cause of PCOS as well (which I have).  It can also cause miscarriage (which I had over a year ago, after my one and only confirmed pregnancy).

Has anyone been diagnosed with hypothyroidism?  What tests did your RE do to diagnose it?  Do you take any medication for it?

If my current IUI cycle = BFN in a week, then I plan to ask for thyroid testing, but don't really know much about what to ask for.

Thanks!!

shelbeans82

My RE checked my TSH during my initial bloodwork.  I thought it was a standard thing to check when working up infertility? 

megs3084

Hypo runs in my family but my re wasn't worried about it. My ri was though. My level was 2.82 and she wants to see less than 2 for ivf. I'm currently on 50 MCG of synthroid a day. I can tell you I feel so much better now that I'm on it

Desmo35

shelbeans82:

My RE checked my TSH during my initial bloodwork.  I thought it was a standard thing to check when working up infertility? 

 

This

ccollins06

You want them to check your TSH levels and probably a few more like T3, T4 like pp mentioned. I have both (hypo & PCOS).  My OB actually found my thyroid issue when I told her about my irregular cycles and TTC at my annual.  She ordered a round of bloodwork and from there referred me to an Endocrinologist and later an RE.

Both my RE and regular Endocronologist like to see TSH closer to 1.0 when TTC.  My initial value without treatment was over 7.  Even when it was around 2.4 last summer my RE wanted me to go up on the synthroid. 

After they got the thryroid in check and I still wasn't having regular cycles they diagnosed PCOS, largely in part to elevated male hormones.

 

GL OP and hope you get some answers soon!

 

KTdid81

I found out my thyroid was low at my annual check up, about 4 months before my doctor referred me to an RE. I am on 50mcg of Synthroid.
I noticed a change pretty quickly. My cycles became more frequent, not quite regular, but at least every 30 to 40 days rather than the 60 to 80. And I had more energy.

lorirachel

while mine is still in the normal range (I think a 4) they want to see 1 or 2 for TTC so I have been on synthroid for a while now. hoping that does the trick!

sarah_beth2005

Thanks, everyone!  I know my RE hasn't done any thyroid testing on me, and can't recall if my OB/GYN did, but she would have just done a TSH test if she had - none of the more specific thyroid tests.  I will definitely ask my RE for full thyroid testing, since it seems like an easy thing to check and address if I do have hypothyroidism.

ksgsmu

I am hypothyroid ( hashimoto's)  and yes it is very important not only for TTC but for your health in general to get it checked. hypothyroidism is linked to may illness and syndromes.

Normal range is under 3.0 ( this changed from 4.0 a couple of years ago and many doctors and labs still use the old standards) . My RE, and Edno want me near 1.0 before I continue with fertility treatments ( hence the break I am on)

It is important to get a FULL thyroid panel including thyroid antibodies to give you a full picture.  TSH isn't enough. 

I am on Synthroid (100mg) and it has been a struggle to get my TSH in a good range due to my thryoid antibodies. Synthroid works slowly and takes about 4-6 weeks for your thryoid to adjust.  I am monitored and checked every 6-8 weeks and will be checked every 2 weeks when I get pregnant. ( due to miscarriage risks with higher TSH levels)

Many doctors don't want to test or once you get under "normal range" think that is it-  you have to be your own advocate and demand to get the right tests and treatment sadly. If you are symptomatic you have to speak up!

Wish you the best- I am very passionate about this issue   Been doing a ton of research since I was diagnosed last year!

sarah_beth2005

Thanks ksgsmu.   Can you let me know exactly what tests I need to ask for?  I am slammed at work for the next month, and have very little free time for research right now (as much as I hate shortcutting the research part, at least I can then go ahead and get teh tests, and research later if needed). 

From what I looked up the other day, it sounds like lots of doctors will start with Synthroid, but apparently Nature-throid address all the different thyroid levels, and not just one like Synthroid does.  Has anyone ever tried Nature-throid??

ksgsmu

Some people can't convert the T4 so synthroid doesn't work well for them... some people do better on nature-thyroid which is a bit controversial with most Endocronologist. This is more prescribed my holistic doctors. I don't have a problem converting and I have some concerns about nature-throid

 Here is a link of testing info...

https://thyroid.about.com/od/gettestedanddiagnosed/a/diagnosis.htm

 Here are some facebook groups that are helpful

https://www.facebook.com/thyroidsupport?fref=ts

https://www.facebook.com/thyroidsexy?fref=ts  ( She is very pro- nature-throid)