Hypothyroid & TTC

mnb89 · October 2014

Hello!
So this will be a long post, but I want to get the details out first.

TTC since March. In June we figured out my husband had a zero sperm count due to testosterone therapy he was getting from a different doctor. He started Clomid in July, we went back to the doctor after 3 months and his count was 45 million with high mobility and morphology. So all is good for him now!

I found out in the spring that I had slightly high TSH levels. This was very strange to me considering I have no symptoms and I'm very healthy. I'm 24, 5'7, 125lbs, highly active, I do CrossFit regularly and eat very clean. Non-GMO, gluten free, etc. so I was very surprised to find out I had a health issue. I was referred to a specialist since I'm TTC. In the summer he put me on 25mcg of Levothyroxine, and after 6 weeks I saw him again. My levels actually got worse, went from 5.93 to 6.54 (I'm aware this isn't extreme hypothyroidism but because I'm TTC he wants it between 1.0-2.0) He raised my dose to 50mcg and I see him in a few weeks.

EDIT: I'm writing, to see if anyone else has hypothyroidism and their experience with TTC. A friend of my family has hypothyroidism and had to use Clomid both times to get pregnant. I'm going to talk to him about that when I see him next. Anyone hypothyroid AND use Clomid??? ***I'm not asking for advice on whether I should use Clomid or not, I'm only asking if YOU have and your experience!***

I ovulated sometime within the past 48 hours, so I am hopeful, but nervous.

Would love to hear of someone else's experiences!

mnb89 · October 2014

I think I fixed the pink highlight, no idea how I even did that!

I was not stating that my diet was or wasn't effecting my thyroid, I only meant that I am fairly healthy and don't have any other health problems. So this new thyroid problem is still fairly new to me. Aside from the research the past 6 months, just trying to get others input from their thyroid problems.

I *believe* (not positive) I ovulated because I have temp'd everyday since March and I have now dropped and spiked, and I use clear blue advanced ovulation tests to tell me low/high/peak. I also monitor my cervical fluid and position. So all things considered this cycle, I do believe I ovulated within the past 48 hours.

I'm only going to discuss clomid with my endocrinologist on Monday to get his opinion. I do not believe I have any problems ovulating (I've gotten positive ovulations tests since March.) I'll do whatever he suggests in order to get my thyroid on track.

mnb89 · October 2014

Yes, he tested me for Hashimoto's immediately and I don't have it.

No, I do not know the root cause of my problem. I do know back in December my levels were in the 3.0 range.

I did however, recently find out that my paternal grandmother is taking 75mcg of Levothyroxine everyday. May or may not matter.

mnb89 · October 2014

Yes, how did you feel at 22 compared to .05???

I'm glad everyone has pointed out the short luteal phase. I knew mine were short, and now it makes sense that it's related to my thyroid. I've never had my progesterone levels checked, but that's something I can look into also.

Thanks!!

annie129 · October 2014

This is an interesting read for me. I discovered I have hypothyroidism after blood tests due to no af. My TSH was 19 and I've been taking levothyroxine 50mcg for two months. I'm due back for blood tests on Friday but still waiting for af... Anyone else experience this when first diagnosed?

Gasbarro2011 · October 2014

Funny that you should post this today as my levels were tested again this morning due to a slightly bad test last week. I got my results back within 2 hours and everything was fine this time but I have to go back and test frequently to keep an eye on it. We are looking at starting TTC in November so I was anxious to have it taken care of, but we'll see where we stand after the next round of tests.

kate5all · October 2014

Hey, I'm hypothyroid too (Hashimoto's for me). First thing I did when we decided "it was time" was make a preconception appointment, which was basically a waste of my time and the Midwife's. BUT it gave me an opportunity to get my thyroid checked and make sure my TSH is still in a good place.

The only thing I wanted to add is that I don't think it's too off-the-wall for the OP to mention her healthy lifestyle. I don't know about you guys, but when I was diagnosed, my endocrinologist advised me to really focus on eating well and exercising. I do believe it can help you manage it, although it can't completely safeguard you against it and it can't replace meds, obviously!

I actually went off the meds when I lost my job and insurance and then went on to lose 55 pounds before the symptoms came back worse than ever. Gained 10 pounds in the span of two weeks and my nails started cracking and breaking below the quick...took me a while to put the pieces together and get my TSH tested--it was higher than ever! I've been back on Levothyroxin for a year and will never stop it again!

kate5all · October 2014

Sorry, @Joy2611, I should have been more conscious with my words! What I meant by that is I believe it can make your hypothyroidism more manageable. Absolutely not a replacement for meds, as I said!

Perhaps that connection is truer for Hashimoto's than with other causes of hypothyroidism. I know that autoimmune disorders are closely linked with internal inflammation, which can be lessened by eating well (i.e., lots of antioxidants and avoiding inflammation-causing or -encouraging foods). I know that my dose was much easier to pin down the second time around when I was eating a LOT more produce and a LOT less sugar!

Just wanted to clarify!

crusch8 · October 2014

Hey there. When I started seeing my RE, it showed my TSH levels were high (again this is because we were TTC, if I weren't it wouldn't have been anything to worry about). I think it was just above 4. She put me on 25 mg of levothyroxine, and since then I've moved up to 50 mg and most recently 75 mg. It is under control right now. We had tried 4 rounds of clomid with no luck. I also tried letrozole. We just started Follistim this week and I am keeping my fingers crossed (for both of us!).

gsdtx81 · October 2014

I'm hypothyroid due to Hashimotos, and have been TTC unsuccessfully for over 2 years now. However, that absolutely does not mean my infertility has been caused by my thyroid disorder. There is no reason to assume that because you are slightly hypo, that you will have difficulty conceiving. If your cycles were wonky, having your thyroid levels brought to a manageable range via medication, may do the trick.

Also, age, diet, and exercise alone are zero indication as to if you'll have a thyroid disorder. I was diagnosed at 22, while I was actually underweight, with a level of over 20. Now, at 32, at an average weight, I'm at 0.5 (via meds).

I would focus on getting your levels consistent and normalized before jumping to an infertility diagnosis. I would also not be quick to jump on the Clomid bandwagon just because someone else with a thyroid disorder used it. That person may have had another underlying condition, or they could have just been prescribed Clomid improperly.

mnb89 · October 2014

kate5all said:

Hey, I'm hypothyroid too (Hashimoto's for me). First thing I did when we decided "it was time" was make a preconception appointment, which was basically a waste of my time and the Midwife's. BUT it gave me an opportunity to get my thyroid checked and make sure my TSH is still in a good place.

I had a "preconception appointment" in January '14. (This was along with my regular yearly appointment, not a special appointment.) But that part of the conversation seemed pretty pointless. She told me to just go on about my regular life like everything is fine. I didn't find out about my thyroid until approximately May, and that was only because I had blood work done for my new life insurance policy. I wish now that I would have been more adamant with my questions.

mnb89 · October 2014

gsdtx81 said: I would focus on getting your levels consistent and normalized before jumping to an infertility diagnosis. I would also not be quick to jump on the Clomid bandwagon just because someone else with a thyroid disorder used it. That person may have had another underlying condition, or they could have just been prescribed Clomid improperly.

I agree, I do not believe at this time I have an infertility problem. Only a thyroid problem. I also agree about the Clomid.

P.S. LOVE the german shepherd picture. I have two adopted shepherd mixes of my own.

KatzKiss · October 2014

I got hypothyroidism after giving birth to my DS. It's not uncommon for this to happen after childbirth. I take 50 mg of Synthroid and get tested every few months. Since then I did get pregnant. I had a miscarriage but it had nothing to do with my thyroid. Many women get pregnant with controlled hypothyroidism. Don't jump the gun with Clomid. Just let your doctor find the right dosage for you. Once you get pregnant, your OB will test you at least every other month. Don't panic! As long as you're levels are under control, you will be fine.

mnb89 · October 2014

Yay! Got my test results back from yesterday's blood work! TSH was 2.8 T4 was 1.2 and T3 was 2.8!
Not as low as my Endo wants (between 1 - 2) but it's so much better than TSH 6.5 six weeks ago!
We will see what he says Monday but I'm thrilled it got better this time!

DrylHeisnberg · October 2014

Joy2611 said:

Hiya.

First - I'd change your font to just plain black. That pink background is tough on the eyes.

Second - My TSH was just measured for the first time last week and it came back as 13. So, I'm in a slightly worse situation than you. I'm trying to nail down problems right now. Most of what I read says that the trouble comes with anovulatory cycles or short luteal phases as your body just doesn't have the energy to do those things anymore. I don't have either problem like that (temping for two years has confirmed that neither of these are issues) so I'm looking to see if there are more subtle problems (poor egg quality, etc). No way to know right now.

Three - I would NOT just take Clomid until you've confirmed that your tubes aren't blocked and that you're ovulating regularly. Determining ovulation at home is straight forward, but requires basal body temping.

Fourth - Not eating GMOs or gluten-free or whatever fad diet is out there has nothing to do with hypothyroidism. Your thyroid is struggling for any number of reasons (autoimmune, low effectiveness, etc).

^ all this, especially the bolded. I find the whole CF/clean eating gloating to be a backhanded comment. I can eat a fucking piece of bread and still be "fit and healthy". That said, I have autoimmune hypothyroid and got it at the "fittest" point in my life. So there's that. Fix your thyroid and you may feel better, but it don't jump to the assumption you will need clomid to get pregnant.

mnb89 · October 2014

I was simply stating my diet. I wasn't *gloating* or stating that everyone should follow the same diet I do. I eat a certain way otherwise I don't feel good, and this is the healthiest and best I've ever felt. If you feel great with a certain diet then stick with it. I've learned what makes me feel best. I've learned what makes my stomach hurt. I've said it multiple times in this thread, "I was just surprised to find out I had a health problem."

And again. I wasn't asking anyone to tell me if I needed clomid, I was asking if anyone had an experience with both hypothyroid and clomid.

Blondie3328 · October 2014

Hi - just jumping in here with my own Hypo story.

I got off BCP in Feb 2010. Didn't get a period until Jan 2011. Around October 2010 I was Diagnosed with hypothyroidism. No symptoms at all. I was prescribed Synthroid at the time (i do not remember the dosage). I got my period in Feb 2010, then got pregnant, without using Clomid or any drugs , in March 2010. Throughout my pregnancy, I had blood draws to test my TSH levels (they were always stable, thankfully).

I am now on Levothyroxine , also 50 MCGs, and I have been trying to conceive for 6 cycles, and have started talking about taking Clomid with my Dr's input, but my Dr does not believe my thyroid is causing me any issues in terms of TTC right now, as my TSH levels are pretty stable. I am planning on trying a few more cycles before I determine if Clomid is the right path for me.

I wish you luck!

mckenzienh89 · October 2014

For everyone who is attacking me for asking about Clomid, regarding hypothyroidism. I am asking because I have an overly short luteal phase and one cause of this problem is hypothyroid. Only from articles I've read (because I haven't seen my RE since making the connection between my thyroid and short Lp) have I read that there are treatments for this. I'm simply trying to get opinions from others who've experienced the same things and what their doctors have suggested so that I know what to ask my doctor on Monday. I edited my first post because it was obviously not worded correctly.

AnonymousNurse · October 2014

mckenzienh89 said:

For everyone who is attacking me for asking about Clomid, regarding hypothyroidism. I am asking because I have an overly short luteal phase and one cause of this problem is hypothyroid. Only from articles I've read (because I haven't seen my RE since making the connection between my thyroid and short Lp) have I read that there are treatments for this. I'm simply trying to get opinions from others who've experienced the same things and what their doctors have suggested so that I know what to ask my doctor on Monday. I edited my first post because it was obviously not worded correctly.

No one was attacking you. They were giving you good advice. You might be surprised at the number of women here who take clomid unnecessarily and without proper monitoring. Many OBs prescribe it irresponsibly, and most people take it because they don't know any better. We are trying to warn you against doing that.

Some women here have hypothyroidism. Some women here take clomid. Some women have hypothyroidism and take clomid. Just because they do, doesn't mean you will. Subclinical hypothyroidism alone is not an indication for ovulation induction. I wouldn't jump the gun and assume you need drugs to help you get knocked up. The best things you can do right now are to keep temping, and keep your thyroid under control. There is no need to even utter the word clomid until you've been trying unsuccessfully for over a year, and even then only after you've had the proper testing (bloodwork/HSG/SIS... assuming you have not had these already).

bocaburger · October 2014

I have been TTC for 2 years without treatment. In my past I have had my thyroid tested a number of times because of symptoms (fatigue, cold sensitivity) and my sister and grandmother are both hypothyroid. My results always came out normal. Recently my RE rechecked an found that my TSH was in the normal range (somewhere around 4) but higher than is ideal during pregnancy (he wants it to be <2.5 before I get pregnant). He did a full thyroid panel and I am positive for thyroid antibodies. In other words, I am developing autoimmune hypothyroidism but still in a very early stage, which is why no one else caught it. I'm now taking levothyroxine 50mcg. They don't think my thyroid is causing my fertility issues, but they haven't ruled it out, especially since they haven't found any other cause (they ruled it "ovulatory dysfunction" but all my other bloodwork is normal so they don't know what's causing me not to ovulate). Either way, they want it below 2.5 to reduce my risk of miscarriage. I will be starting Clomid next cycle, so I'll have more info for you about that soon. And by the way, I completely understand what you were saying about your surprise. I am also otherwise pretty healthy. It was hard for me to wrap my head around the idea that I have a health issue, especially one that could require medication for the rest of my life. It really shook my image of myself as a healthy young woman. So I understand the feeling. Good luck!

bocaburger · October 2014

@emilie818 - I have always had an irregular cycle, and I've never been able to confirm a temp shift (although I will admit that I am really bad at charting consistently. My RE was unable to identify any other cause and said it is almost definitely ovulatory dysfunction. We think I may ovulate some of the time, but not every month and not with regular timing.

melissatupkelewicz · October 2014

I also have Hashimotos hypothyroidism, wasn't being treated, had a low thyroid level, got pregnant and miscarried! Definitely get your thyroid in check before TTC!

thycapa · October 2014

When I first had a TT due to CA my TSH was 12 until they got me on the right doses of synthroid and I was told by my endo that is was going to be hard to be able to get pregnant only if it threw off my cycle and that i should chart and temp to get an idea. In that time I also got my levels adjusted. It took about 2 years and the addition of cytomel because I don't convert T3 and now my TSH is 0.02. I know that's really low, but need it there for suppression. My GYN would like to see it at 0.7-1.0, but before I got on BC for cysts It was believed that I was still ovulating. We will see what happens when I stop taking the BC and start trying next week. That's just my experience with all this crazy Thyroid stuff, I hope that helps. My suggestion also is get your levels checked every 6 to 8 weeks. I know it stinks but it will give you a good idea what direction your TSH, free T3 and T4 is going in.

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