Ivf/infertility and high thyroid antibodies

[Bloop123]

Hello, I am due to start IVF in a few months after TTC for 18 months. I have low AMH for my age (5.7pmol at 32) and now have just had a blood test result back that showed my thyroid antibodies are off the scale at 230 (normal is up to 34). But my TSH level is normal.

Understandably I was concerned about this, however all my clinic responded was this: “you have raised thyroid antibody levels but your thyroid function test (TSH) level is normal. You will need closer monitoring of your thyroid function if you undergo fertility treatment as you are at increased risk of developing a thyroid disorder, but at present no treatment is required.”

Does anyone know if high antibodies could have an affect on IVF success? Could it even be the cause of my fertility struggles/low amh?

So much that I read on the internet says it is significant to fertility, so I find it strange that my clinic have brushed it off so quickly.

thanks in advance xx

Hey - I have Hashimotos thyroiditis - so I have really high thyroid antibodies and my TSH fluctuates, however I have medication to control this. I am currently 22 weeks pregnant with my FET. My endocrine consultant always assured me the antibodies have nothing do with fertility - it’s more the TSH. Try not to worry - if there was a problem with your thyroid they would keep a closer eye on you :) good luck !

Hi, I also have high TPO antibodies, and my TSH was a bit high but now being controlled with thyroxine. I was recommended to speak to a Dr who specialises in reproductive immunology and because of my high TPO did NK killer cell testing, I have elevated NK cells so am on steroids for that. I don't think high TPO necessarily means you will have any other problem, but my Dr thought it warranted doing the test. There's definitely some disagreement about immune testing and treatment, but I trust my doctor and figured it wouldn't hurt to look into (18 months TTC following a TFMR here so I'm willing to investigate and try anything!)

Now that my TSH us under control and I have the steroids plan, my doctor is fine with my high TPO and just says I'll need to regularly monitor my TSH if/when I'm pregnant. I've not been diagnosed with hashimotos, apparently I'm sort of borderline as my high TSH wasn't even that high, not enough for the NHS to care at all, it was just over where they want it for fertility

My endocrinologist said that antibodies would need to be in the thousands to be of any concern fertility wise.TSH is the only one of concern to my endocrinologist and needs to be below 2 when trying to conceive.

I had TPO antibodies and struggled to conceive even though my TSH was under control. Ended up doing ivf - first transfer was unsuccessful but second worked which I am convinced was because I took steroids. Take a look at this from "is your body baby friendly" definitely think there is a possible link with nk killer cells and tpo antibodies. Didn't want to not share this as it's such a cheap drug that I am convinced was my answer!