Should I increase levothyroxine dose myself?

[blamber]

I think I'm almost 5 weeks pregnant (not exactly sure, irregular cycles!) and I'm hypothyroid. In the nice guidelines I read that they recommend increasing the dose of levothyroxine immediately and then refer to a specialist. I also read that there may be an increased demand for thyroid hormones from 5 weeks onwards.

I saw the GP and while he is referring me to an endo, he said not to increase my dose yet. My TSH levels are ok (tested a couple of weeks ago, was about 1.4), but they didn't do ft4 levels. I obviously don't want my TSH to rise too much, so I was thinking of starting taking 2 tablets extra a week. I'm on 100 mcg per day now. Of course I also don't want to go hyper. What should I do?

This thread is interesting! I am on 25mg of levo daily
I am
Now 9 weeks pg tho I feel
Fine but my doctor said that he was happy with what I am
On at the moment ( I was 5 weeks when I saw him) I have my booking in bloods on tuesday so will be asking the midwife about it then.
I was only really borderline with my levels before getting pregnant anyway so mayb I wont increase much ?
I also have a consultant to see after my 12 week scan so
Maybe he might know a bit more?

Hi Lisa,

Yes, it is an interesting topic! You're not on a high dose, but you may have to take two extra pills a week. Ask your midwife to get your TSH tested as well. They were originally going to do that with me too (my appointment is next week), but the endo has requested a blood test a week before I see him instead. Hopefully they'll test your TSH, if not, ask your GP to refer you to an endo. I'm not sure what the consultant will know, but the increase in demand for thyroid hormones takes place in the first trimester, so it will be too late when you see him.

Hi Blamber! Thx for that , I will definately ask the midwife! I have to put it on the form that I take on tuesday for booking in .
My doctor would not refer me to an endo before as he said they wouldnt do any more for me than him. When I asked him if I needed to increase ( when I found out I was pg ) he said that I was fine at the moment but my have to after 3 months maybe. Hmmmmm!

Lisa - you should be put under Consultant led care at booking which means you will get to see a midwife and a consultant through your pregnancy. They should take over leading the monitoring of your thyroid from the GP. I've been given additional growth scans as well.

Thankyou for your help! Yes I have appt after my scan at 12 weeks with consultant but I will defo
Discuss with midwife on tuesday!

I am 9 weeks pregnant. I was on levothyroxine 25mcg before pregnancy, I had endocrinologist appointment beginning of this month but still haven’t got the results. Mid if this month my midwife did my thyroid test and it came with 8.40. I asked Gp to increase my levothyroxine dose from 25mcg. But they said they are not othorised to do so and asked to wait for endo. results. I chased endo. Clinic many times for my results but no response. I am worried about baby s development. Should I start taking double dose of levothyroxine without wait.

Hi, I know this is an old post but how did you get on in the end? I am 5 weeks pregnant with Hashimotos (had it for at least 8 years) went to my doctor when I got the positive pregnancy test and he did a blood test, test was normal (they won't tell you levels on the phone) no recommendation to increase my dose. I tried to find out when I would need to get them tested again no one seemed to know said they would phone me back then got a call from the practice manager saying I just had them done why am I phoning about blood tests. After I explained that I wanted to know when are where to get them done again, she just said just phone and book in half way into your second trimester then. Not feeling confident in about them.