Anyone want to have a go at a thyroid question?

[wouldthatbeworse]

Hi all

I recently suffered a miscarriage at 9 weeks. It had taken 6 months to conceive (I'm 35). After the MC I got my GP to check my thyroid. TSH was 2.8 and T4 was 18. I don't have any other symptoms of hypothyroid.

I've read on here and elsewhere that TSH should be under 2 when TTC AND when pregnant.

My GP who knows I'm TTC won't treat TSH of 2.8 when T4 is 18. He won't refer me to NHS endo unless I have at least 1 more miscarriage (yay) but he will give me a private referral.

I'd welcome advice on whether I should push to get this TSH level treated. It's possible that I'm so keen to find a reason for my MC that I'm thinking this will solve the issue when it's just one of those things. Equally I'd hate to have another long wait to conceive and MC again if anything could be done to prevent it.

Thanks so much for reading and any advice.

My TSH was 4 or there abouts when I got pregnant with DS. I think how much it affects you varies from person to person.

Unfortunately miscarriages happen and it's more likely to be from genetic issues with the embryo than a TSH of 2.8. I think your GP is taking the sensible approach, as unpleasant it is for you.

I had a miscarriage at Easter, so I do understand the heartache.

Under 2? The fertility clinic were happy to get me to 2.5. The guidelines are a bit airy fairy and nice is pretty quiet on the issue. The guidelines say nowt about ttc, just tsh by trimester. If you're at 2.8 and get pregnant again, I'd probably push for a 25mcg dose of levothyroxine. It's the medical research that suggests below 2.5, better to over medicate than under etc...

Hypothyroidism is WAY higher - like 10.

When I was pregnant with my son, the endocrinologist told me for subsequent ttc, TSH of below 2 was ideal. I would have thought that 2.8 when you were already pregnant wouldn't be high enough to affect your pregnancy though. As Wellthisunexpected says it was more likely to have been other reasons.

Very sorry for your loss x

I had a TSH of 5.8 when I found out I was pregnant (can't remember T4) after talks with GP it was agreed to give low level thyroxine and my levels have been around 1 since.

I did a post on here and got excellent advice.

I havnt seen a consultant yet (3 weeks) but having 4 weekly Tests with GP even though my levels are now in the desired level for 1st trimester.

If your concerned go back to your GP - take print outs from British Thyroid Foundation website or NICE guidelines if you feel it would be beneficial.

I had to speak to 2 GPs before they agreed on my route for care.

If your concerned go back.

Thank you all for your advice - especially @Wellthisunexpected for the kind reality check.

WOULDTHATBEWORSE - sorry for your loss . I saw a private consultant and he said yes it should be under 2 to be optimal for getting and staying pregnant. Also your bloods should be tested straight away upon getting a positive test as many people who are hypothyroid need an increase straight away of thyroxine and it needs careful monitoring throughout pregnancy. Blood tests should be done regularly upon a BFP - more than someone who doesn’t have a thyroid problem Furthermore you need testing for thyroid antibodies as if these are high that can cause miscarriage and your TSH levels will increase further without treatment. I found all this out the hard way after miscarriages and paid to see a miscarriage specialist. Also read the NICE pregnancy thyroid guidelines and show your gp. Many gp’s are not that well clued up on thyroid issues.

Yes my GP said nothing about my TSH but my fertility specialist put me straight on levothyroxine 50mcg daily to get it under 2.5.