PTU in pregnancy

[TheSeaTheLand]

Hi,

I was diagnosed with Graves' disease a few months after my last pregnancy, which was 5 years ago! I was put on PTU (propylthiouracil) because it was the safest to use whilst breastfeeding and I responded well to it. Everything was fine and I've been in remission for the last 4 years.

However, I'm pregnant again (only 8 weeks) so went for some thyroid tests because of my history and my levels were abnormal. It seems I'm having a flare up and will have to be put back on PTU.

I just had my endocrinology appointment to discuss/prescribe the medication and was told by the consultant that the risks that come with leaving me unmedicated far outweighs the risks associated with taking PTU while being pregnant. The risks with taking the medication are mainly a higher chance of birth defects. He said it's a small percentage but it is still higher.

I guess I'm just feeling really anxious now and wondering if anyone has been in a similar situation? Has anyone taken PTU when pregnant and had a positive outcome?

Thanks in advance

Hi, I’m currently 24 weeks and took PTU from week 9 to week 20. I hadn’t had a thyroid problem before but was admitted to hospital with palpitations and tachycardia and turned out my thyroid was overactive. The PTU really helped my symptoms. After 11 weeks on them I actually ended up too far the other way into hypothyroid hence why I’ve not been on them for the past 4 weeks while we see what my body is doing on its own.

The endocrinologist explained the risks but there was never any question of whether I would take them as I was so ill with the overactive that I couldn’t have coped without them.

I’m having regular blood tests and am scheduled for growth scans, as well as the baby being scheduled for paediatric follow up as soon as it’s born.

Obviously I can’t say what the end outcome will be yet but currently I have no regrets at all about taking the PTU.

@MrsMoggy thanks so much for sharing, that's already made me feel a lot better just knowing I'm not the only one going through this! PTU did work really well and quickly for me last time so hopefully it will again and I just have to trust the consultant!

I hope everything goes well for you now with it going the other way! I didn't even know that was possible so good to know!