AW: Anybody know anything about MTHFR?

Re: AW: Anybody know anything about MTHFR?

• CheesyPeas member

  November 2014

  I would look into a prenatal vitamin with active forms of the B vitamins, particularly folate since MTHFR interferes with the ability to process the B vitamins.  I've tried both Thorne Basic Prenatal and Emerald Labs Prenatal.  The Thornes tend to make me sick, likely because of the abnormally high iron content, so I prefer the Emerald ones.  Taking extra folic acid from what I've read, is somewhat outdated and higher doses of folate are preferred for treatment of MTHFR.

  I have heterozygous MTHFR which is a less severe case than your compound heterozygous but I also have a Protein S deficiency and had a stillbirth, so that got me a referral to a hematologist and prescriptions for Lovenox injections and mega-doses of folic acid (hematologist hasn't jumped on the active folate bandwagon yet) in addition to baby aspirin for life.  If I had just the heterzygous MTHFR and no history of stillbirth, I would've been told to change nothing and wouldn't have received the referral to a hematologist.  MTHFR appears to be one of those things where a lot of people have it, most people experience no problems, and treatment is kind of a "maybe it will help" type of thing, particularly if the problem is early losses.  My OB is of the belief that FA and BA could help and the risk of taking BA is low, so why not try it just in case.  And my hematologist strongly believes I need to be on FA, BA, and Lovenox, so that just goes to show that it all just depends on the doctor.  

  I definitely recommend doing your research and finding what makes you comfortable, and then be an advocate for yourself with your RE in case he/she is kind of "meh" about the whole thing.

  November 2010 - 10.5 week loss   
  October 2011 - DS (7)   
  July 2014 - Stillborn DD (24 weeks)   
  August 2015 - DD (3)   
  April 2018 - 5 week loss  

  
  

  Report1 Reply
• Loading the player...
• PinkCamino member

  November 2014

  I was diagnosed with Heterozygous MTHFR after having RPL blood work done. My MFM has me on a cocktail that includes baby aspirin, 5mg folic acid, prescription prenatal vitamins, B12 vitamins and a B-Complex. Some doctors don't believe that MTHFR is something to worry about and don't treat it as a result - mine assured me that treating it was simply precautionary. FX for your appointment!
  

  Report1 Reply
• mrspipp member

  November 2014

  I am heterozygous MTHFR. My best advice would be to do lots of independent research on your specific type and be your best advocate with your dr. Many doctors do not consider it to require treatment, but others do. I'm currently taking baby aspirin, folate prenatals and active b complex supplements. I get mine from Seeking Health, but have also used the ones listed by PP above. My dr doesn't think that mthfr has any basis on my losses, but it's a precautionary approach.
  
  I received my results from counsyl as well. They have genetic counselors on staff that can tell you more about your specific mutation. They were very helpful when I first received my results, and your RE should be able to provide the contact information.

  Report1 Reply