Thyroid - over or under? Antibodies > 1000

[onedaybaby]

Hi,

I'm sorry if this has been asked before, but I am getting so confused and can't seem to find the answers.

I have been referred to a fertility clinic as we have been trying for 2 years and nothing has happened. They have run blood tests twice and have now asked me to go to the GP and ask for thyroxine.

I'm not sure what the results were, but 2.5 was mentioned and the antibodies are over 1000 (on both tests). They suggested that this meant it was overactive.

From my research, I can see that thyroxine is for under, and my symptoms sound like under not over - so did they make a mistake? I suffer from extreme exhaustion, heavy periods and am overweight.

Also, what do these antibodies mean and should I be concerned?

I can see that there is a lot of bad press regarding treatment, so I want to be prepared and ask the right questions when I see the GP.

Many thanks.

You're potentially underactive with a TSH of 2.5, assuming you're in the UK, but you have antibodies, which means that you have Hashimoto's Disease (google it). Those antibodies are attacking your thyroid and will eventually destroy it, so you need thyroxine to make up for what your damaged thyroid cannot produce.

If you are TTC you may need specialist help to start and maintain a pregnancy and that TSH will need to come down to around 1.

www.thyroid-disease.org.uk is a good site to look at.

D

Hi, thankyou for replying. My gp has said that they won't prescribe anything as my levels apart from the antibodies are fine. They have given me a referral letter if I want to take it further. Do you think I should? When I told the clinic that I couldn't get the prescription, they were happy to go along with this (although they said to get it in the first place) - but have regular tests to check if it does go under.

If you are ttc and having problems, then I would push on the thyroid treatment and try to get it treated as it could be affecting your fertility. If you go on some of the thyroid websites, you can get a list of private gps and consultants who would be sympathetic.

If you are ttc and having problems, then I would push on the thyroid treatment and try to get it treated as it could be affecting your fertility. If you go on some of the thyroid websites, you can get a list of private gps and consultants who would be sympathetic.

merci is right - again!

You have Hashimotos and need treatment, so push for a referral.

D

Oh dear. Although my gp has given me a referral letter, my healthcare have refused to pay as its related to fertility. I tried to argue that its not just a fertility issue. I will have to pay myself, but I agree I should see someone. I'm so worried now.

No need to be 'so worried'. This is easily sorted and it needs to be, for your well being, before we talk about babies.

Are you in the UK? It wasn't clear from your OP.

D

Hi, just a quick update...

I went to the Drs today and I have been prescribed 25mg thyroxine with a review in 6 weeks. Although nothing can be done about the antibodies, the GP was happy to prescribe it as a TSH near 1 may be helpful for getting pregnant. So fingers crossed!

x