Hypoactive thyroid

DisneyDee1984 · July 2014

So my dr called me with the results of my recent blood work. In good news, my 3 hr glucose test came back perfect, and spina bifida risk is low. However, my thyroid levels came back just a little too low for they're liking. I've been put on synthroid, and have to follow up with an endochronologist. Anyone have any experience with this? Dr said it was common, but it doesn't make me feel any better!

jess123456 · July 2014

I am on levothyroxine which I think is the same thing but the generic and mine was high not low. What were your levels? Hormones can play a huge role in the activity of your thyroid. I am on a small dose of 50 mcg once a day and then double up once a week during pregnancy and it has stabilized for the most part but I go in every couple of months to get rechecked. They like to see the TSH level around 1 during pregnancy (at least that's what my doctor said). It is common so I wouldn't worry about it much. I think it's great that they are on it and with the proper dose and doctor supervision you should be in good shape I believe.

babysis013 · July 2014

I had thyroid cancer in 2011 which prevented us from starting our family when we wanted to. But my entire thyroid was removed between 2 surgeries so I have to be on medication the rest of my life and my levels are being closely watched through this pregnancy by my endocrinologist. I'm on the generic version of synthroid and have done just fine. Just watch for any symptoms that you may have and make sure everyone stays on top of it. It is important to baby's thyroid development that you are in range.

I've got to run to work but can talk more later if you have any questions.

Oh, and from what I was told a lot of women develop thyroid issues during pregnancy and they go away after the baby is born.

Lilwatz · July 2014

Hi! I also have a too-high-thyroid issue like PP, but am also on Synthroid. I started on Levothyroxine but had a HUGE spike (from 0.7 to 28 in a month) so they switched me to the name brand as it is supposedly "more consistent". Anyways, ever since the switch things have gone incredibly well. We had to fiddle with the dosage at first and I get it checked every month, but haven't had any issues in 3 months (knock on wood).

Did you have any specific questions?

As for symptoms, I had virtually zero symptoms to begin with--they only found it through infertility testing--and I still don't. At first I would get ravenously hungry after taking the pill and having to wait the 45 minutes to eat but that quickly passed and now it's just part of my morning routine.

missnacholover · July 2014

I thought synthroid was for HyPERactive (over active) thyroid? Maybe it can be used for both.

I was diagnosed when I was diagnosed with diabetes so I don't really remember any symptoms. Once they get your dosing right, it's no big thing.

MmmPopcorn · July 2014

Just about every woman in my family has been on Synthroid at some point for hypoactive thyroid. My mom had a cancer scare and had most of her thyroid removed, and she will probably take Synthroid forever. From what I gather, it's very safe, and the important thing is to make sure you're on the right dosage for you.

My thyroid has been underactive in the past, but my levels were great just before I got pregnant and in 1st tri. They're going to keep checking them throughout my pregnancy just to make sure there aren't any changes. My doctors have been taking the thyroid issue very seriously, and I appreciate how proactive they are. No meds for me yet, but I wouldn't hesitate to take them if my doctors thought there was an issue.

missnacholover · July 2014

DUH, I just googled Hashimoto's and it's under active thyroid. I'm totally awesome at medical stuff.

moroccojade · July 2014

Take the meds... get tested again in a few weeks. If your TSH is still high (and your Free T4 and Free T3 are still low) then take a higher dose. Keep testing through your pregnancy and adjusting... and even after you have your baby.

Not having enough T3 and T4 is a bad idea in pregnancy and when not pregnant. You need the medicine!!! It is just replacing something your body should naturally be making on its own.

marajay6 · July 2014

People on this thread seem to be confused. If your TSH is high, you have an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). Hashimoto's Disease is the most common cause of hypothyroid, but not the only cause.

During pregnancy, underactive thyroid can cause miscarriage or developmental issues with the baby (mostly cognitive). Women with underactive thyroid should have their TSH levels and Free T4 levels checked frequently (most doctors will check monthly). It is 1 small pill a day, every day.

marajay6 · July 2014

missnacholover said:

I thought synthroid was for HyPERactive (over active) thyroid? Maybe it can be used for both.

I was diagnosed when I was diagnosed with diabetes so I don't really remember any symptoms. Once they get your dosing right, it's no big thing.

Synthroid is for hypoactive thyroid. It is synthetic thyroid hormorne - it wouldn't make sense to give it to someone whose body is already creating too much (hyperactive)

lizzielu82 · July 2014

Hi Hashimoto's Thyroiditis over here :-h (also hypo)

Sounds like you are on the right track! Make sure you are actually getting synthroid over the generic version. The generic version did not work for me and I've had normal levels ever since I started taking synthroid.

The biggest thing at this point will be to keep monitoring you and adjusting your med dosage as needed. I would suggest getting checked every month (that's the schedule I'm on).

Sounds like your doc is on it and I'm sure you'll be just fine!

missnacholover · July 2014

sj+cm131 said:

missnacholover said:

I thought synthroid was for HyPERactive (over active) thyroid? Maybe it can be used for both.

I was diagnosed when I was diagnosed with diabetes so I don't really remember any symptoms. Once they get your dosing right, it's no big thing.

Synthroid is for hypoactive thyroid. It is synthetic thyroid hormorne - it wouldn't make sense to give it to someone whose body is already creating too much (hyperactive)

Yup, I was wrong.

I mean, I can only be perfect MOST of the time. Ha!

Lilwatz · July 2014

sj+cm131 said:

People on this thread seem to be confused. If your TSH is high, you have an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). Hashimoto's Disease is the most common cause of hypothyroid, but not the only cause.
During pregnancy, underactive thyroid can cause miscarriage or developmental issues with the baby (mostly cognitive). Women with underactive thyroid should have their TSH levels and Free T4 levels checked frequently (most doctors will check monthly). It is 1 small pill a day, every day.

I take one and a half pills 2 days a week. Just sayin'.

marajay6 · July 2014

Lilwatz said:

sj+cm131 said:

People on this thread seem to be confused. If your TSH is high, you have an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). Hashimoto's Disease is the most common cause of hypothyroid, but not the only cause.
During pregnancy, underactive thyroid can cause miscarriage or developmental issues with the baby (mostly cognitive). Women with underactive thyroid should have their TSH levels and Free T4 levels checked frequently (most doctors will check monthly). It is 1 small pill a day, every day.

I take one and a half pills 2 days a week. Just sayin'.

Yeah, I take 2 pills 3 days a week. But they are tiny.

lizzielu82 · July 2014

Lilwatz said:

sj+cm131 said:

People on this thread seem to be confused. If your TSH is high, you have an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). Hashimoto's Disease is the most common cause of hypothyroid, but not the only cause.
During pregnancy, underactive thyroid can cause miscarriage or developmental issues with the baby (mostly cognitive). Women with underactive thyroid should have their TSH levels and Free T4 levels checked frequently (most doctors will check monthly). It is 1 small pill a day, every day.

I take one and a half pills 2 days a week. Just sayin'.

You are a very lucky special snowflake!

DisneyDee1984 · July 2014

Thanks for the advice ladies. I don't know anyone that's ever had these issues so knowing you all are here is great! I started the synthroid this morning, and have to follow up in two weeks to check my levels, then every month after that. I was mainly concerned because I don't know how my body would react, and of course, make sure the baby is okay. I'm sure I'll be asking you all questions as they arise!

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Hypoactive thyroid

Mama to sweet baby girl, Emerson Rose, born November 7th, 2014

Re: Hypoactive thyroid

Mama to sweet baby girl, Emerson Rose, born November 7th, 2014

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