Hyperthyroidism

[Freddiethefirefly]

Hello

I found out yesterday I have hyperthyroidism (with very few obvious symptoms and signs), by blood test. I am almost 10 weeks pregnant and now so upset and sad, due to the increased risks of IUGR, deformities, stillbirth and miscarriage.

Has anyone any experience of hyperthyroisism?

Thank you.

Firstly I'd say don't panic, pregnancy can do a whole range of unusual things to your thyroid. I suspect that it is pregnancy related as it would have been difficult to get pregnant with hyperthyroidism in the first place. I had it and didn't manage to get pregnant for almost 2 years. Take the meds, you should be on propythiuracil or whatever its called, which is safe during pregnancy. Just make sure that you get referred to the endocrine department and that they keep monitoring you. Also make sure they monitor you after birth as well because your hormones will be all over the place.

Thank you for that advice...no endo appointment made yet so I will chase the GP... Thank you

Hi I suffer from hypothyrodism so no direct experience but I strongly urge you to either visit the we site of or join the British thyroid foundation, the patient arm of the British thyroid association, which is what endocrinologists are members of. I do know you should see an endo quickly though so chase that up, not least for your peace of mind. Again, don't know a lot but occasionally people can swing from hyper to hypo following pregnancy so the btf may be of extra support there again. There are copies of previous news letters and contacts/ local support groups. My thyroid has gone a little mad during pregnancy too and my local group have been of invaluable support. Try to stay away from Google and seek support from your gp and hospital consultants. I too have found the stress of worrying about what might happen to baby awful (its fine now im 28 weeks) and I'm now dealing with anxiety and depression linked to both the worry and the rollercoastering hypo thyroid levels. Try your best to minimise your worries and concerns the best you. Community midwives tend not to know a lot about thyroid stuff in pregnancy as its either gp or consultant managed, unless they have direct experience. All the best and unmumsnetty hugs xx

Hi, I'm an endocrinologist and saw this is in passing. We deal with this every day and see very few problems. Yes, the risk are higher, but they are already small risks and slightly increased.

You do need to see an endocrinologist, although your hospital might do a joint Diabetes/Endocrine/Obstetric clinic at the same time. Your GP will probably start PTU, the dose depending on your blood results, and then the hospital will monitor you, your bloods and the baby.

These are the guidelines we roughly follow are here if you want to read more:

www.endo-society.org/guidelines/final/upload/Clinical-Guideline-Management-of-Thyroid-Dysfunction-during-Pregnancy-Postpartum.pdf

Clarella and BartletForTeamGB....thank you both so much.
The irony of it is I am a doctor too (very junior), and we make the worst patients...using Athens to read research on this. I am currently in Middle East on an extended maternity leave ( and preparing for the MRCP exams) and am back to work next August. The medical care is good here...I will definitely chase the endocrinology referral tomorrow.
I have even sat in those joint clinics as a medical student in St Mary's....I should know better than to panic.
Thank you so much...I really appreciate the support.

Aha, yes, it is very different being on the other side! I know what it is like. Have you registered on Doctors.net.uk? Good doctor support for both clinical and personal questions there, so good for MRCP revision as well as getting personal medical advice, or even advice about BFing/cycling/baking/Doctor Who!

My gp (also a prof) and an obstetric consultant giving a talk on thyroid issues in pregnancy both told me they went absolutely potty during their own pregnancies :)