Suspected thyroid issue

ThePax89 · February 2016

After all of my rpl blood tests, the only abnormal value was my thyroid. The levels indicate that I have hypothyroidism (despite me having LOST a significant amount of weight rather than gaining).

Has anyone else dealt with thyroid issues in relation to pregnancy/miscarriage?

Im wondering if I need to see an endocrinologist instead of my ob.

What medications did you take, etc?

iceandsnowflakes29 · February 2016

No advice but, just wanted to offer ((hugs)). Hopefully they can get your thyroid squared away soon!

Knottie12904461 · February 2016

If you need to take extra thyroid during pregnancy this is generally okay. I have the opposite problem and need to calm mine down, didn't find out until after my MC. Depending on your labs, your OB can probably handle most issues related to this. Best of luck to you!

ThePax89 · February 2016

@Knottie12904461

are you on synthroid? How often do they monitor?

Knottie12904461 · February 2016

No, I'm not on synthroid, I have the opposite problem-it became hyperactive after the MC. Don't need any more thyroid hormone! I started propylthiouracil and propranolol (to slow down the rapid heart rate) yesterday. Rechecking at my office (I work on primary care) in 3 weeks and if not better, I will go see endocrine to see if radioactive iodine (RAI) or surgery to remove it is needed. Hope not! :-)

chloe97 · February 2016

@thepax89 I'm actually learning about this right now. I looked back at my bloodwork from my last 2 physicals prior to TTC and my TSH levels were 3.46 and 2.76. In my research, I'm learning that even though doctors do not consider TSH levels under 5 as hypothyroid, women with TSH levels over 2.5 are more likely to have early miscarriages and so it's important that thyroid is monitored and/or treated if your TSH levels are above 2.5, because the fetus will "steal" your thyroid hormones as it develops. Someone on the TTAL board said that their physician wanted their levels to be 2 or below before TTC.

Im pretty annoyed that my PCP did not catch this, particularly because I have many hypothyroid symptoms- weight gain, hair loss, brittle hair, depression. It's important that women look at their test results and ask questions.

Good luck!

ThePax89 · February 2016

@chloe97 this is really interesting information. After my first m/c I demanded that my blood be drawn and my thyroid levels were bad. Dr. Twatwaffle said that because my levels showed hypothyroidism and I was losing weight, that it wasn't an issue. I proceeded to lose my next baby.

My level is 5.2.
I'm 5'6 and 115 lbs.

chloe97 · February 2016

Oh wow @ThePax89Definitely follow up with an endocrinologist sooner than later! I'm seeing an RE bc I'm having weird hormonal imbalance issues and so you may want to go that route if you can. I'm pretty sure a regular endocrinologist are going to know this stuff too, but I guess there is some disagreement in the field, so you may need to push a bit. Here is an article about subclinical hypothyroidism: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/835406

ThePax89 · February 2016

Thank you @chloe97 I'll try and find one tomorrow

Knottie12904461 · February 2016

Oh my god. Dr. Twatwaffle. I'm stealing that! :-)

shae86 · February 2016

I'm currently on a synthoid, Levothyroxin.

I'm very disturbed by the way my thyroid issue was handled (or rather, ignored) during my pregnancy. At my first check up at 4 weeks, I requested blood work to check my TSH levels. After 8 days, the doctor's office called to say it came back a little high, at 4.5. They said they were referring me to a perinatal specialist. I proceeded to wait 2 more weeks for information about the the referral, as the doctor's office said it takes awhile. They finally called and said my appointment would be in one month. A whole month after I had already waited 3 weeks since my initial blood work!

I said, "Isn't it dangerous to have an untreated thyroid issue for this long in early pregnancy? Shouldn't I be treated soon?" The girl on the phone acted rather clueless and said I should probably see my regular doctor or an endocrinologist in the meantime. I got to an endocrinologist later that week and was put on meds right after, but unbeknownst to me, my baby had already died. I learned at my 10 week ultrasound it stopped growing at 6.5 weeks.

I feel a lot of guilt over this. Why did I leave things in the hands of my doctor when I knew it should have been taken care of sooner? I don't know if my thyroid is the reason for my miscarriage, but the fact that there's a chance makes me feel responsible for this loss.

I'm continuing to take the meds so I can be as healthy as possible for the next pregnancy.

ThePax89 · March 2016

@shae86

thats awful! Wtf. Did you have genetic testing done on the baby? Goodness I'm so sorry. Incredibly sorry for your loss and so sorry that you weren't listened to. Let's get healthy! Every day that I take that pill I feel like I'm prepping myself for my next pregnancy.

shae86 · March 2016

@ThePax89 thank you, it's been so upsetting. I'm currently going through a natural miscarriage and am waiting to pass the sac. I'm going to call my doctor's office to see if they can do any testing if I'm able to preserve it.

I'm right there with you. Let's get our bodies good and healthy for the next time. I'm determined to be an advocate for my health and for my future babies from now on.

ThePax89 · March 2016

@shae86
I was shocked. I got my results yesterday and my baby had trisomy 16. In other words...though the thyroid is an issue, it wasn't the cause of my miscarriage. still thinking of you in this horrible time.
As for advocating for our health and babies- yes! I switched obs. She is an hour away, but I feel safe there. I'm not going to let doctors or nurses tell me I'm too anxious ever again.

BrightenMySky · March 2016

@ThePax89 I haven't been posting on this thread because I have nothing to contribute on your original question, but I did want to say that I'm glad you switched OBs to someone you feel safe with.

ThePax89 · March 2016

Thank you @BrightenMySky !!!!

shae86 · March 2016

@ThePax89 wow. Thinking of you as well. I'm glad you have a new OB that you're comfortable with. I'll also be switching to one about 45 minutes away, and I know it will be worth it.

ThePax89 · March 2016

@shae86 the biggest issue I foresee is driving 45 min to an hour with morning sickness for betas to be drawn. The alternative is driving 10 minutes to have people treat me like a crazy person.

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