Please talk to me about Hypothyroidism

[PuzzleRocks]

Got a call from DD1's consultant this afternoon. They have been monitoring her T4 and TSH levels and while T4 is normal the TSH has jumped, since August, from 5 to 11. Consequently she is to start on 50mcg Levothyroxine immediately.

I'm not really sure what I am looking for, perhaps some reassurance from others in the same situation. DD1 is 6 in April.

Thanks for listening.

I think it's nothing to worry about. They've got her on replacement thyroxine now and that will prevent future health problems. The very fact that they checked TSH is more thorough than most.

I don't know about the condition in children but would imagine it's similar to adults - as long as you replace the thyroxine and keep the levels monitored it's fine. I don't know how she's been recently but you may notice an improvement when she starts on the thyroxine? When I was diagnosed my GP said the good news is that you will be exempt from paying for medicines for the rest of your life - that made me feel better . I wouldn't worry too much, it's just something you learn to live with.

Ah and I know it's a long way away but when she starts thinking about having children, she needs to up her thyroxine levels before she gets pregnant.

Thank you both. I was just reeling a bit earlier.

Of course you were - it's never nice to receive news like that - I felt awful after DD2's blood test came back saying she's probably allergic to peanuts. I also didn't like being diagnosed with hypothyroidism myself, but mainly because it made me feel like an old woman!

To be more precise... the thought of having to take a pill every day made me feel like an old woman. But that's nonsense of course and I don't think twice about it nowadays

I did wonder about pregnancy. DD1 looked at me in horror and said "I'm never doing that!"

Thanks again for the reassurance..

Yes, in pg you have consultant led care. In reality this means extra blood tests from time to time, and attending the hospital for one appointment.