Underactive thyroid in 1st trimester - TFT how often?

[merryberry]

Hi there, if you got pregnant with an existing underactive thyroid, could you tell me how often you had thyroid function tests in the first trimester? I had mine done as soon as I knew I was pg (5th week), and I was OK.

I asked this am if I can be tested again (7th week) as I can clearly feel the lethargy and joint pains of undertreattment coming back but was told no as the lab rejects samples with less than 6 weeks between them!

I can see from this that they aren't likely to test again until 2nd trimester. I would be very grateful to hear other's experiences.

I have been referred to an endocrinologist now, but am told I may not be seen for several months. >?

I have a goitre and my blood tests have always been borderline underactive so I have never been on medication but this was still monitered throughout my pregnancy by the endocrinologist and I had 3 lots of blood tests done. Didn't have any problems until 8 months preg when they said had I been on medication they would of increased the dose but wouldn't start me on meds whilst pregnant and I also had pernicious anaemia(sp?) which I believe is more likely to happen when preg if you have existing thyriod probs. Why not ask your G.P. to do the tests instead.

Thank you 4jen, I hope you are doing well now and had a safe delivery. I hadn't heard that about the anaemia. I'll ask the gp again i think, as I am feeling pretty rough.

I'm underactive, following RIT 10 years ago & I get bloods done every 4 weeks. Last pg my dose was increased from 75mcg to 150mcg & dropped to 125mcg by week 8 post-birth. this time however they haven't increased my dose so far & I'm now just over 22 weeks. I feel ok tho' but still pretty tired which could be thyroid, could be my more mature years this time, DD is almost 6. I don't see why a lab would be able to do that as it's Drs & M/W's who decide how often checks should be done according to each individual patient. Mine were checked fortnightly at one point when I wasn't pg.
I'd query this & say you're very symptomatic & want tests done. I hadn't heard about anaemia probs either my iron levels are exceptional for a pg woman apparently [proud emoticon] Good Luck!

Thanks jbck, that's really interesting. I will just have to go into pester mode. I was not convinced by their labs every 6 weeks argument either. Good luck with the rest of the PG!