Does anyone know anything about hypothyroid?

[EffinIneffable]

Before we conceived this cycle, I was getting fertility tests done, but I was never told the actual results, just 'they're normal'. I've now been given my actual results, and the thyroid TSH test is 2.4. I understand for ttc and pregnancy they normally want it below 2. High TSH suggests potentially not enough actual T4 hormone in the blood, meaning I could be subclinically hypothyroid (would need further tests to confirm). Hypothyroid is associated with increased risk of mc and cognitive delays in the baby.GP said, if I was having trouble conceiving then that is what they would probably look at, but they won't investigate or treat unless I have a further two mc's. Obviously I don't want to risk another mc, or potential delays to the baby if the pregnancy survives (I'm 6+3 now).

2.4 TSH isn't miles over, but it can apparently get worse in pregnancy as demands are higher. I'm knackered and have a sore throat and flaky skin too (all could just be normal signs).

Does anyone know anything about this? Is 2.4 TSH worth kicking up a fuss over to get further tests and possible treatments? Effects of low thyroid are more severe in first trimester, so don't want to leave it too long.

Thanks so much for any advice.

[EffinIneffable]

bump?

[Pobblewhohasnotoes]

2.4 isn't very high no. My consultant wanted my levels to be below 2.5. They increase my medication as soon as I got pregnant and my levels have generally been below 2, although now they are 2.1.

You don't want to start medication off you don't need it, it's for life. Once you start it your thyroid will stop producing the hormone or working as well as you are substituting with medication.

Symptoms are important and everyone has a TSH level they are comfortable with to feel well. I'm on a fairly low dose.

Have you had your iron levels checked? Ferritin and B12?

[Pobblewhohasnotoes]

I'm not saying ignore it, but don't jump to self diagnose either. My levels initially at diagnoses were 5.8 and my endocrine consultant said even then it wasn't sky high but obviously it needed to be lower for pregnancy. I have bloods taken every trimester.

[freelancegirl]

I'm so glad consultants now know below 2 is better all round not just got pregnancy. I've had to balance my thyroid with thyroxine for 19 years and have had 5 miscarriages, one child and am currently pregnant with what will hopefully be number 2. The miscarriages were not directly thyroid related but I've learnt a lot about balancing the thyroid in pregnancy. I currently take 125mg/150 of thyroxine but started on just 25mg!

I would say however that a TSH of 2.4 is not something to worry about too much at the moment and is unlikely to be causing your miscarriages. Have regular tests and if it continues to rise then it might become an issue. Make sure they also check your other thyroid hormones as they all come into play. For what it's worth I feel happier when mine is under 2, around 1, and feel really crap if it hits 3 so whilst I think going on thyroxine is a bit much for you at the moment any continued rise would be worth exploring.

Google Mary Shomon for some good info about normal levels.

The condition I was diagnosed with - a high level of natural killer cells attacking the baby early on - is connected to autoimmune conditions such as ones with the thyroid. Whilst I am not suggesting this is what you've got if you want to explore this further and have a test try Mr Shehata at the Miscarriage Clinic in London or new life clinic in Surrey.

Good luck!

[EffinIneffable]

thank so much pobble and freelance. I'd been googling away, but there's nothing like hearing from people who've got actual personal experience. My problem is that I totally mistrust GPs, who cannot be experts in everything, and I've been fobbed off before in other situations. They've agreed to do further tests to confirm whether a diagnosis of subclinical hypothyroidism is appropriate, but you've reassured me a lot that even if treatment is necessary, I'm probably at the very low end of the scale and risks are probably quite low too. thanks ladies.

[freelancegirl]

Yes I have unfortunately found most GPs to not know much about current thyroid thinking. I say current but the 'new' normal ranges have been suggested for years now and some GPs still think you're ok if you have a TSH over 5, that's regardless of ttc/pregnancy. Thankfully experts (including my miscarriage specialist) know otherwise.

Like I said get your T4, t3 and thyroid antibodies tested too and ask for TSH (at least) tests every 6 weeks. If it looks like it is crawling upwards then see if they will do something about it.