Levothyroxine increasing from 175mcg to 225mcg at 10 weeks pregnant… does that mean my thyroid is pretty much dead

[Baby20202025]

Hi everyone, during my last pregnancy my thyroxine was 150mcg increased to 175mcg. My daughter is 4 now.

i am pregnant again and now the dose is going from 175mcg to 225mcg… I just feel like that’s huge amount. Is anyone else in same boat? No one seems concerned at all at this increase and said it’ll go back to pre pregnancy dose after birth …

I am on 37.5mg of levothyrox at 38 weeks but my mum, cousin and friends are all on doses of around 200-225. Everyone is different.

I don’t think it’s anything to worry about as long as your TSH levels are monitored every month during the pregnancy and adjusted accordingly.

@Caipulli thanks. I suppose it’ll be ok no one seems concerned so I guess I’ll just plod along haha

They upped mine (from 125 to 175 if I recall) both times, I'm almost certain it's to do with having more blood/ blood working harder. I came back down after breastfeeding.

sounds totally normal

From the British Thyroid Association-

"During pregnancy

It is likely that you will require higher doses of levothyroxine during pregnancy, especially during the first 20 weeks, to provide sufficient supply of thyroid hormones to the baby. As soon as you know you are pregnant, it is generally recommended that your levothyroxine is increased immediately, usually by 25-50 mcg daily. The amount of the increase will depend on what dose you are currently taking. We recommend that you double your current dose on two days each week (e.g. every Saturday and Sunday). You should then contact your GP and arrange to have a thyroid blood test so that more targeted adjustments can be made if required.

Even if your thyroid function test result is not ideal at the start of pregnancy, your risk of a pregnancy complication is only slightly higher than normal and you would still have a good chance of a successful pregnancy outcome. However, your levothyroxine treatment should be adjusted to normalise your thyroid function as soon as possible.

You should have regular blood tests throughout your pregnancy so that your dose can be adjusted if necessary.

If you are prescribed supplements containing iron, calcium or Gaviscon you should take these several hours before or after the levothyroxine since these can alter the absorption of levothyroxine."

What is your weight before pg to be on 150mg? Around 65-70kg?

@MikeRafone yes I am 5ft 8 1/2 to but doubt that makes a difference.

Sounds like you are on full dose of thyroxine for weight and height then - as if your thyroid isn’t working at all. The extra dose is obviously important for your pg

do to answer your question - yes it would seem your thyroid isn’t working pretty much dead and you’re being well medicated

I was on 50mg pre first pregnancy, went up to 100mg during, then back to 75mg post pregnancy. 2nd pregnancy went from 75mg to 150mg and then has gone back down to 125mg. Tested every other prescription request. I figured your body just changes so much during and then after.

I went up to 225mg during my last pregnancy. Afterwards, it quickly dropped back down. Three years on, I’m now only on 150mg

I went from 150 to 200 during last pregnancy. It evened out towards the end and I reduced to 175 at about 32 weeks. All was fine x

Thyroxine is particularly important in the first trimester to prevent learning disabilities that is why they automatically increase it.