Underactive Thyroid TSH Results in

[MumHoll]

After trying to conceive for over a year and two miscarriages my doctor got my thyroid tested. My TSH level came back as 2.4. I have all the symptoms, extreme fatigue, feel the cold, frequent urination, hair loss. My doctor has said this falls within 'normal' limits and will not prescribe me any medication. I have researched this and have found that your level needs to fall between 1 and 2 to get pregnant and to sustain a pregnancy, is this right? I feel so helpless and that noone want to help me. Should I go back and talk to the doctor? I'm not a pushy person. Any help or advice would be so supportive right now. Thank you.

I am really sorry to hear about your MCs firstly.

I have had similar results to you and also 2 mcs although my first TSH was 3.7, it is now 2.1

Did they also test your T4 and t3 levels?

Annoyingly the 'normal' range is under 5 but you are right, for TTC purposes it should ideally be under2 . However, you are really not very far above at 2.4. Also this can fluctuate.

Can I suggest you ask the GP to re-test you in a month or so and in the meantime you could take B vits and eat 2/3 brazil nuts a day, both of which are meant to help with the thyroid. I credit this with getting my TSH down to 2.1, it could of course be a co-incedence. Your symptoms could be unrelated, have you had a full blood count/check for anaemia? Test for diabetes etc?

I agree with far - it's only slightly above the "ideal" range (but that's not really recognised by the NHS anyway) and well within the "normal" range. I'd ask to be re-tested in 6 weeks and keep an eye on it if you're concerned but I wouldn't have thought it would have any effect on ttc at that level (but obviously I'm not and endo).

Have you had your iron levels checked?

Thanks for your replies. I did not have my T3 or T4 checked but my full blood count came back normal.
Can I ask far how long did it take to get your levels down the natural way with B vits and brazil nuts? I've been thinking about taking a kelp supplement.

It was only about 3 months. I don't know if that is what did it, as your TSH does fluctuate a bit on its own but I figured it can't help!

Its not very helpful that the GP did not do your T3 or T4 as it would be interesting to see if your T4 is also in the low range, perhaps you can ask for that too when you re-test? Good luck

Hi! Before I was pregnant with DS I had subclinical hypothyroidism for years, TSH was around 6 when checked in pregnancy, I started taking thyroxine then but had conceived with no difficulty. There have been plenty of studies looking at TSH in pregnant women, and many are found to have subclinical hypothyroidism. My understanding is that for some people it will be normal and doesn't need treating. When you are pregnant you could mention to your midwife, they can check it hasn't changed. If it does go up, they may want to check if you have antibodies, in my case that was the only reason they treated me. The TSH below 2 rule only really applies when you're on treatment although I conceived again this year with TSH of 2.8.(MC but no reason to think it was related).

Having said all that, I didn't have any symptoms, I'm surprised with what you describe your T4 or T3 wasn't checked, I would want it done in that situation as you can be hypothyroid with a normal TSH. Not an expert though. Good luck with it all.

Sorry waffly, it's late!

Thanks for your post tumblebug sorry to hear about your mc. I have made a decision to go back to my doctor and see if she will test my T4 and T3. Hopefully she will be sympathetic and proactive. Thank you

Good luck, probably will all be fine but at least you can have that extra reassurance.

OMG, go to a different doctor. I had 2 MC's and it wasn't until after the 2nd when I saw a different doctor that it was identified that low thyroid problems were causing me to miscarry.

I am still TTC, but at least now my thyroid levels are the same (with medication) as someone with no thyroid problems.

Also, when the test were done, I had some other hormone imbalances, and was put on Metformin, to continue to take into the first trimester when I do get a BFP to put the risk of MC back to the same as a "normal" woman.

Some labs will not do T4 and T3 if TSH is within their normal range so GP may not be able to get it . Good luck with FTC