RE Office Called: Blood work flagged

kindershlitz · November 2014

So I got a call 1 week after consult that my thyroid levels were slightly high. I was told the number they liked to see was around 2, and mine was 4.6 (which I thought seemed significantly high compared to a 2). Phone call when trying to get out the door, door installer calling for appt, perfectly at a bad time but said I could come in this morning. I went in and got an additional blood draw with testing to be sent out so I only met with a tech. Dr. Google I am not finding very helpful. From what I have read it sounds pretty easily treatable but any experiences?

Plus I got a positive read on the OPK today. I feel like this month is a wash now but I am definitely glad we deferred IUI this cycle. Thinking January might be more our month.

My father is a retired physician. DH and I are contemplating talking to him about it. We have not discussed our TTC endeavors with our parents. I feel like I need more information before I call the nurses line and bug them.

So essentially just venting.

kelley72 · November 2014

I'm sorry for the high reading, my understanding is that it is very treatable. Hopefully you get more information and a great game plan. Best wishes!

flyliceandcoffee · November 2014

From my understanding thyroid levels being either high or low is very treatable. I know my doctor was concerned with that last time as well, but she never mentioned it being a potential problem (just something we'd have to keep an eye on and possibly medicate for).

boymamaco · November 2014

My TSH was slightly over 5 after my first pregnancy. I am now on 75 mg synthroid daily and keep my levels just below 2. It's very common and very treatable. I will say that my RE wants my levels around 1 so I'm planning on bringing it up with my regular endocrinologist at my next appt. Just thought I'd mention that - definitely let your doc know you're TTC

Davie813 · November 2014

I'm kind of excited for you that they found something to flag (you know, because it's a possible "quick fix" on your way to your BFP.)

emsmama15 · November 2014

High TSH means you are hypothyroid. Basically your body is pumping out too much thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) to get your thyroid to act normal because it's sluggish. A level of 4.6 may be more borderline for some (none fertility) doctors, but because you're TTC, they like it below 2. I'm guessing your RE will start you on Synthroid or Levothyroxine (generic). It's pretty harmless. I've heard it actually increases some people's energy level (though it doesn't for me). They may need to increase it a time or two to get you to a therapeutic level. The good news is that it won't keep you from TTC while working on getting to a better level, but they've found that there's higher success with a lower level. So, this month isn't a "wash" really, but maybe everything's not optimal at this point.

tlc35 · November 2014

I think that in general over 5 is considered abnormal but for TTC they like to keep it under 2. It should be easy to treat with some synthroid. It just means your thyroid isn't as active as it should be.

kindershlitz · November 2014

Thanks for the feedback. I agree, it's kind of good they found a possible reason for our delay in being able to TTC. I am assuming they will call in an rx for me based on my next blood work results. I don't mind asking my dad questions but I feel like TTC questions are a bit too personal for our family. But I still might at this point.

Meanwhile, wiping out the wine glasses and tuning in some Marvin Gaye due to the + read on the OPK. lol.

lcwed · November 2014

I'm glad it is treatable. I don't know if I should wish you luck for this cycle, or hope things go well in January. Pick the one you want, but I will give you both.

KateLouise · November 2014

I had elevated thyroid levels after my youngest was born. Initially my endocrinologist thought it was Graves disease. By the time he'd discharged me he wasn't so sure, because I didn't entirely fit the Graves pattern.

It was very easily treated with medication, that my endocrinologist gradually weaned me off, and within 12 mths I was off the medication, and have been ever since (2 yrs later). I have regular blood tests to keep an eye on my thyroid levels.

My endocrinologist initially wanted me to delay TTC until he had a good handle on what was happening for me and had things under control, and my medication was reduced to a level that he was comfortable with. From memory that took 2 or 3 months.

Elevated thyroid levels can increase the risk of miscarriage.

sonpetitlapin · November 2014

I am glad it is treatable and hopefully things will be perfect for you to TTC!!!

MySallyGirl · November 2014

I experienced mild hypothyrodism in the past and it was easily treatable with a small amount of meds. Being on the meds actually did give me more energy at the time. I've been off them for ten years now because after two years of taking a low dose of meds, my levels were normal. Actually it's one of the things my OB is testing me for now just to be sure since my thyroid feels slightly large to her and I've been sluggish lately. She said conditions such as thyroid that are mild can actually come and go sporadically, which I did not know.

nrose778899 · November 2014

I would see an endocrinologist ASAP. They should run a test for T3, T4 and antibodies to see if you have Hashimotos. Very treatable and not a huge deal but better figure this out sooner than later! Good luck.
My levels were about yours and I ended up having hashimotos. Hope they test you and rule that out. Hashis is not a huge deal anyway but it definitely can affect fertility.

Nikolie93 · November 2014

Glad something came back that's seems easily treatable, good luck!

wannabmama23 · November 2014

Glad you got some info, I, too, have heard this is pretty treatable.

Love all the info here! I've been tested in the past for thyroid problems and always been ok, but it's always something in the back of my mind, so this post was really helpful for me, esp since I don't know whether my slightly elevated levels would be above what you'd like for TTC. Now I know to keep it in mind!

URMySunshine77 · November 2014

I hope that it's an easy fix!

meredithcarole · November 2014

Nothing further to add, but I hope you get some good answers soon.

vh2014 · November 2014

I have Hoshimoto's. No biggie. Tiny little pill and I'm on a small dose. I see an Endocrinologist every 8 months now, it used to be 6 months. Probably will go to a year after my next appt if nothing's changed.

Interesting the posts that say they've been taken off it. I was told I would be on it for the rest of my life but my levels have been stable for a few years now. I'm going to ask my Endocrinologist if he's seen any success taking people off. I hate to take pills because I'm forgetful.

emsmama15 · November 2014

I was thinking the same @vh2014. I was told I'd be on it forever. I'm on 100 mcg though, so I don't see coming off it anytime soon. Interesting. Maybe someday.

vh2014 · November 2014

Heath&Jas said:
I was thinking the same @vh2014. I was told I'd be on it forever. I'm on 100 mcg though, so I don't see coming off it anytime soon. Interesting. Maybe someday.

I was excited when I lost weight because I might get off. I am on 50mcg. He said it's actually muscle mass that makes a difference not fat and the increase in muscle mass might mean I went up not got off, but no. .. mine was still level though. No change.

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