TSH 2.68 + short luteal phase TTC

[BeetleBear]

Hi there. I have been TTC #1 since last Summer and I haven’t had had any luck so far.

A bit of context: I have a short luteal phase (average 9 days) and spot for a day or two before my period starts. Progesterone was normal when tested (although this was on a cycle with an 11 days LP - long for me). My cycles range from 23 days to 35 days, but are normally between 25-28 days. I had my TSH tested and it was 2.68 which according to NHS guidance is normal, but according to Dr. Google it should be under 2.5 for conception.

I was wondering anyone here who has had TSH slightly higher than 2.5 had either had any luck conceiving/staying pregnant or getting medication for it. It seems quite extreme to go on levothyroxine for such marginally high TSH but at this point I’d do anything. Hard to know what to do when levels are considered normal by GP.

Any advice or experience is so welcome. Thank you 🙏

I am also TTC and into fertility testing now. I had a referral to an encronologist as my TSH was 2.8.
They said it only needs to be under 2.5 if you are already on medication as pregnancy can prevent it from working as well so they like jr below 2.5 prior to conception.
For people without this, under 4.5 is fine and does not impact conception, after 4.5 the miscarriage rate increases so they would medicate.

I've attached the research chart which might be helpful.

(MR-miscarriage. LBR - Live birth rate. CPR - clinical pregnancy rate)

That’s interesting to know. Thanks so much. Definitely interesting to see the graph.

have you asked about getting progesterone to take once you've ovulated? It should extend your luteal phase. You might have to consider going privately to get it.

Hi @BeetleBear
Is this the first time you've had your TSH tested?
I only ask because I too had a very slightly elevated TSH level when I had fertility bloods done. I had them repeated a month later and they were 2.3.....they were also normal when I had it tested 6 months prior to this!

Has your Gp suggested repeating them?

X

I think I will. But not sure if GPs can prescribe this? Did you take progesterone? If so would be interested to hear your experience - did it help with ttc/how did you get it? I would definitely consider going private!

Interesting! Thanks for this. I have had it tested twice, once through Hertility last June and it was 2.68 and once at the GP in February and it was 2.6. So it would be interesting to get it tested again actually!

Hi @BeetleBear - I've just come across your thread and my story is weirdly so similiar to yours in terms of TTC timings and TSH levels! Last November my TSH level was 2.51 and I've just done the Hertility tests which came back as 2.68.

Just wondering if you found out any more info regarding TSH levels? My Hertility results also showed low oestrogen so I'm looking into how to increase that which may be affecting TTC.

Hey @Leoladyttc1! I actually did! In august my partner and I went for some private fertility tests and a consultation with the doc and I mentioned it to him. He said that it’s fine as it’s borderline and that it wouldn’t be preventing conceiving. So although that was quite good to hear we also still don’t have any explanation. But what I will say is that my luteal phase has been 11 days for the past 2 cycles (used to be 9) and that is with the following lifestyle changes: high protein breakfast, omega 3 fish oil, vitamin d, coq10, vitamin b complex and Pregnacare. I still spot quite a bit though, but the consultant wasn’t worried about my short luteal phase or my spotting! Hope that helps x

Thanks @BeetleBear! I've just started taking vit B complex and I take vit D (and folic acid of course!). I felt that acupuncture has helped reduce my spotting, although I did have a strange month two months ago where I spotted for a week prior to my period. All such a minefield!

I'm getting day 3 bloods done again next month and if the TSH levels are above 2.5 again I'll push for more investigations I think. You don't want there to be a problem, but when there isn't it also feels bad because you're like "but why hasn't it happened yet??" x