Early pregnancy and hyperthyroidism

[Kk101]

Hi
I’ve just found out I’m pregnant (all being well this will be my third little one). It wasn’t planned and I haven’t told my partner yet (I’m away with work). I would be happy however I was diagnosed with quite bad hyperthyroidism about a month ago - which required treatment at A&E (this is the second time I have had this). I’m yet to be seen by an endocrinologist- still on the waiting list and I’m terrified this is going to cause problems. I can tell my thyroid levels aren’t yet back to normal - although the symptoms are much much better. I’m also on beta blockers.

Added to this I’m 41 and had full placenta previa with my last daughter.

I will try to see a doc when I get back from my work trip but, in the meantime, does anyone have any advice/experience.

Thanks

I think you should ask your gp to make an urgent referral to the hospital obstetrician / or ask gp to just ring them up for advice regarding medication and tests. You should be monitored through blood of tests quite frequently too.

Read up on the nice guidelines for this too. I'll have a look for some bits of info for you too.

The British thyroid foundation is helpful; you could give them a ring for a chat or look at their website.

Do you know if you had TrAb antibodies? If so these need monitoring too as could affect baby.

Do you know what your tsh and t4 was?

Basically you need a blood test ASAP, and to see the gp to discuss both management of medication and the pregnancy via endo or obstetrician. Can you arrange appointments for as soon as you're back?

It is all manageable (I'm hypo rather than hyper so no direct experience) but it needs careful on the ball management from the outset. The thyroid gland usually grows to accommodate the extra needs of baby in first trimester. Depending on the cause of your hyperthyroidism you may be ok and it could actually stabilise or you may need different medication to keep it at a lower level.

Nice guidelines

cks.nice.org.uk/hyperthyroidism#!scenario:1

Congratulations and I do hope all goes well op

(sorry for multiple posts!)

If you’re taking Carbimazole that needs discussing urgently with a doctor, I’d call GP today. Best of luck.

Thanks so much for all your advice. I’ll get in touch with my gp as soon as possible. I’m on PTU (as I had a bad reaction to carbimazole last time) which looks to be the better medication. I’m on a fairly high dose tho.

Thanks again

Just looking at a patient leaflet not by the BTF re that med: "People using Prophylthiouracil (PTU) have a very small risk of liver problems so if you notice any yellowing of your eyes you must see a doctor immediately"

By the BTF that should say!

Thanks - Yes the liver thing is a risk which I’ve been told about and I know what to look out for.

I don’t know my T4 levels etc as at the hospital they just said I was very toxic. I’m definitely a lot better than I was but I’m worried. I think I’ll try to get an on the day GP appointment tomorrow. Thanks.