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Hi Julie,
I wouldn't worry about the antibody thing too much. I put the exact same question to my FS and he pretty much discounted it straight away.
I saying that - I am currently doing a Prednisone cycle - basically because I am out of options here..
Also when I was PG, I was not put up in thyroxine immediately and my Endo was not too concerned as it was still done within the first 6-7 weeks.
Thanks Ms Pink- Dr Google doesn't totally discount it - I've found a number of articles on the possible relationship between anti-thyroid antibodies and other auto-immune issues which may result in early miscarriage. I'm going to ask my Dr when I see her (I should really stop obsessing and googling - it is just so hard for me to leave this up to "fate").
I just googled Prednisone - that sounds like a decent idea and like it is used in the States a lot. What did your FS say about your other suggested protocol?
I got my thyroid results back - they just tested my TSH and it was only 0.74 (in a range of 0.4-3.5) so I guess that means thyroid function is not my problem.
Bulie, how's things? Hope you're feeling better about it now.
Sally - nope, definitely doesn't sound like you're underactive.
Hi Marcellus - yes, I'm very comfortable with the treatment plan. I really like my Dr - she is extremely thorough and will explain everything until I am completely happy.
Hey everyone,
Does anyone else here have raised prolactin levels? The pituitary gland produces prolactin and is in the same system (endocrine) as the thyroid and ovaries and not only do i have hasimoto's disease, but my prolatin levels are also consistantly high.
Any fellow suffers?
Hi Ladies,
Thought I'd pop in to see how everyone is coping with their thyroid issues and if we've had any successful pregnancies to date?? Have been absent for several weeks as I was also getting my TSH under control and travelling quite didn't get much of a chance to post in this thread. While travelling for work and not being home to see my regular gp, I had to see 2 different gp's in different cities to test my TSH and make sure my dosage was correct and my levels were decreasing. Having started out with a TSH of 11uml I am now down to around 1.8uml which is good news so we are now ttcing with as yet no success, which is a real bummer given last year before I had the TSH tests I fell 3 times over 4 months and miscarried all 3 due to my TSH, now that my levels are stable and in the right range Im not falling as easily, maybe its just my age and my weight/BMI which is around 37 and is high, I need to get this down as much as I can because I do know excess weight can also interfere with ttcing! unfortuantley having Hashimoto's doesn't help the weight situation either, Im sure many of you would agree with me???.
I am also attening acupunture and taking chinese herbs to help as much as possible, my acupunturist wants to keep my progesterone levels as high and as stable as possible, so she's keeping an eye on my charts and temps. Fingers crossed maybe next month we'll catch the egg :) if not IVF may be on the cards as both of us are not spring chickens any longer, having just turned 38 the clock is ringing very loudly in my ears.
sending you all lots of babydust and stickyvibles and hoping to hear some good news soon!!
Hi all
Bulie - So sorry about your loss. I hope you are doing ok.
How're things going with you Mammawannabe?
Good luck with everything Mannie - hope you can skip IVF.
All the best to everyone else too.
Hey Marcellus,
Well to summerise nothing but BFN's lately........I have got a 2nd opinion from a much more thorough FS in Brisbane who has ordered an MRI to check on the pituitary gland and a hysteroscopy, laparoscopy, dye insufflation, D & C and possible lasering of endometriosis if any presents itself to check for any other problems down there.
I have a couple of weeks before these, cos got to wait for this cycle to finish, but at this stage am feeling quite positive about it and that finally I'm going to be thoroughly checked over.
Anyone else had any of these procedures?
Hi,
I am also TTC with a thyroid issue which I just found out about 2 weeks ago. I am currently trying out Dr Sandra Cabots book regarding thyroid issues to see if this helps. My progesterone is also low and my oestrogen is up. I havent been eating very well over the last years and I also had a m/c in November (I guess now I know why). If I got pregnant it would be my first baby and I really want a baby... I'm 34 as well... sigh... we've been TTC for about a year... on and off though - we got so many colds last year around the "wrong times" that I really dont know if I should count it as a year or not!
I'm not on thyroxine yet, I actually asked the doctor could I try something else and she said I could try Tyrosine, however I looked it up on the net and it says you shouldnt have that if you are trying to get pregnant! so she is letting me do it through diet (she's a pretty cool doctor in that way, she's not all about handing out the meds haha). Since then I have eaten according to the book... I'm so hoping it helps. I guess it cant hurt to eat healthy anyway!
My TSH level is at 10 so pretty high, she didnt seem too worried though because my T3 and T4 levels are fine... but I am now wondering whether I should just get over my fear of meds and go on thyroxine to try to get it down faster so I can get pregnant.....?
Argghhhh..... sorry everyone, thanks for listening!
Hi ladies,
Im starting to question my Thyroid Function Tests. Brief History, 95 overactive thyroid confirmed, after extreme weight loss, down to 50 ks @ 5 ft 7 .. 1997 partial removal, 99 Decompression of eyes due to Graves Disease, stable till 2004, where it has reared it's head again. My TSH continues to remain at 0.01 (00.40 - 3.50) Free T3 is 7.6 (2.6 - 6.0) My thyroxine level is normal.
What is the level your Endo likes your TSH to be at to obtain and maintain a pregnancy ?
We are increasing my meds (neo-mercozole) as they are not adequate..
WLB - was at the endo this week with annual BT done.. my TSH is .02 and he has absolutely no issue with this and TTC.
He is more concerned in watching my T3 and T4.
T4 still in normal range but high end of normal. Wants to leave medication as is for now just keep an eye on it.
MWB - wow, that's a lot of procedures, but like you say, it's good to feel like all your bases are covered. I've had a laparoscopy & the dye test thingy (HSG?). Hope they all go well for you.
Newhope - hi. Is your doc a specialist? Might be worth seeing one - if your TSH is so high but T4/T3 normal could indicate some other secondary issue.
I find my endo & OB had different ideas about the ideal TSH/T4 levels. OB definitely wanted the T4 lower than endo. During pg my T4 was up to around 20 (on 10-20 normal range) after I initially increased my dosage of thyroxine and he had me lower my dose to bring it down to around 15. If your hormone levels are normal though then perhaps it doesn't matter too much if the TSH is very low. Hormones are tricky though, cause they're different for everybody
Wishing you all the best
hi girls
Newhope - please don't waste a year of trying different stuff like I did, get right onto thyroxine, it makes you feel better too. I was scared of meds, but waste of precious time. Took me a while to find a good endo, but was v pleased once I did.
WLB - my endo says that TSH should be around 1 for me. my T3 and T4 are in the new ranges. I would like to take a bit more thyroxine as think I could feel a bit better. Am repeating TSH T3 and T4 tests at moment to see if it has dropped a bit. Also I am hypo so may be different if you are now hypo as result of treatment for being hyper.
Ms Pink - as always good luck. Good luck good luck.
AFM - having a break from IVF at moment, was getitng depressed. Mum in hopsital with Kidney cancer, prognosis v good she is out tomorrow. Looking after dad who has alzheimers, that is depressing and confronting, but he has been great. can understand mum's frustration a bit better now. DD has croup, so she gets some prenisolone for that. Found out more about it from various GPs and am definitely going to do Colorado next time. My Gp agrees, so now need to get FS to agree or change to Dr nick. urk, not much of a break so far!!!
Samandpoppy - I have only read some of this thread as I am supposed to be studying. From what I can tell from your first few threads, you think you might be conceiving but losing them? This is what my FS thinks is happening with me so I am now on low-dose Prednisone to stop the antibodies going beserk and potentially attaching the blastocyte. If you have active antibodies against thyroid, you may also have others, my ANA levels are really high, over 1200 and I also have some antibodies against muscle enzymes. Any antibodies produced by autoimmune diseases are not conducive to pregnancy as the body will reject the blastocyte at implantation. My FS has also put me on progesterone pessaries, which I start as soon as I O, to help suppress my immune response during the TWW. Just thought I'd mention it.
Hi everyone,
I really appreciate this thread, it has given me some hope to find some answers as to what's going on with my body at the moment.
I'm 38, have been ttc (is hard b/c dh is overseas for work), and we did in Dec 08, but miscarried at 6.5 weeks. I also have 2 ds aged 8 & 11 from a previous marriage.
I have had pcos for years, but since losing weight... about 20+ kgs, it seemed to get better.... or so I thought. After the miscarriage I had a 35 day cycle, then a 51 day cycle.
My FS did a full blood test and told me to start clomid on day 5 of my next cycle... and amazingly AF came last night after 34 days...that's great for me.
What I am concerned about is that my TSH levels were abnormally low...could be over active-(hence the huge weight loss over 18months or so), so we repeated the test, which came back the same. The new test shows my thyroid function was normal, but I have thyroid antibodies and we have to repeat it again in 3months. No mention of needing medication yet. It could 'just be the way I am, or on the verge of something else? :doh:
I am just freaking out a bit and worried that the thyroid antibodies may have caused the miscarriage... and so scared it can happen again.... yes it's still very raw for me.
Does anyone have any advice? Know of anything to help or any specialists in Melbourne?
Thanks so much in advance,
Hi everyone,
I am hoping someone can give me a clue what might be going on with my thyroid.
In 2007 I had an RPL panel and my TSH was 2.2, which is fine. But I was also diagnosed with anti-thyroid antibodies at an elevated level and I have anti-TPO as well (within range).
Well, I was never offered any treatment for the ATA, despite it being on the RPL panel. Lately I have been seeing a naturopath who suggested TSH, T3, and T4 testing as she thought my thyroid was not working "optimally". I got the results today.
TSH was 1.85, so that is great because she says it should be 1-2 for conception.
However, my T4 is at the absolute lowest end of the ref range. T3 is also on the low side.
Having suffered RPL I am very concerned about the ATA. Does anyone know if these results are conducive with hypothyroid/Hashimoto's?
Thanks to anyone who can help.
Hey Skippy,
I went to a really good endo called Dr Steven Harris, works in Mentone and around other spots in bayside area. He is no fuss but I trusted him. he wants my TSH around 1 for TTC.
Scarlet - I think having the antibodies is the first step to further thyroid problems as they can go on rampage and attack the thyroid tissue. They may not also. Best to get around for a few opinions, ie go to at least 2 endocrinologists and ask. I think it is the only way to really find out and feel satisfied.
Jodsan - thanks yes I have been thinking that is what has been happening for a while and my FS refused to do prednisolone, so I have changed FS again and will do Colorado Protocol, which is low dose Prednisolone and some other stuff. I don't have any other auto immune that shows up on testing, but am hoping that this is the problem.
Just bumping this thread up for Possums, you might like a read, I hope it helps some xxx
Thanks BDT, I saw it there and thought, aahhhh...there it is! ;)
I have just been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism after weight loss, rapid heart rate, shakes, tiredness etc. Previous blood tests have shown i had thryoid antibodies.
My doctor says I can't TTC while on the medication and need to have a break until things balance out and i am off the meds.
I am taking neo-mercozole. I have to have more blood tests now and seen an endocrinologist.
Possums, Neo Mercozole is what I take, I see an endo who runs the womens clinic at a major hos here in Melb, I have suffered for over 15 years with this condition. It is safe to take during pregancy and ttc, contrary to what a lot of doctors believe, my FS was surprised as well, but he said, she knows her stuff your endo, so if she says it's fine, I believe her.
Though having said that, I completly understand you needing to take it to settle your levels down before you try again/ Write down this tablet (propylthiouracil - the short name is PTU) a lot of Endo's would rather you take that whilst ttc or pregnant.
The Neo will take a couple of weeks to work, and I find I have the best BT results when I take it at the same time every day, dont miss one.
I hope I don't seem pushy, I don't want you to worry ttooo much until you have been on the meds for a few weeks, then see your Endo of choice.
Hi everyone
I am also waiting a little bit at the moment TTC because of hypothyroid. I am 35 so really don't want to wait but know it is better to as I have had two m/c, one quite recent.
From experience, how long did you guys on thyroxine have to wait until it kicked in properly? My progesterone is low as well but have heard it is all related and sometimes getting one fixed helps the other - has anyone had problems with that as well and been successful with the right medication etc?
Thanks! :)
WLAB- thanks so much for your advice, much appreciated. I am hoping the meds start to work soon.... I am pretty active, but have had to slow down, due to the racing heart etc. I am eating more than usual, but still weigh less. I read that the meds I am taking (and you are taking) can cross the placenta with some risks to the fetus??
I feel a bit up in the air at the moment, like I have even less control than I did before! lol... just not knowing how long things will take to settle, what the prognosis is, when we can resume TTC etc. I am trying to take it step at a time, but I am a control freak at heart, so it's hard. DH and I still planning a trip away-- more than ever now. :)
sunnygirl- best of luck to you...it's not an easy path at the best of times
p.s. just found out to see the endocrinologist who travels to this area I would have to wait until February!!!! A 5 month waiting list. Unless I choose to travel to sydney to see him, which would involve time and more money.
Oct 08 my TSH was 2.9, Free T4 was 12, and Thyroid Microsomal Antibody 1/1600
Sep 09 my TSH was 4.2, Free T4 was 13, and Thyroid Microsomal Antibody 1/1600
so from what I'm reading, I should be asking my FS to be put on thyroid meds to lower that TSH level?
After my Sep 09 test I spoke to two GPs who said my levels are fine and I don't need treatment. But now I'm confused after reading all this.
Hey all,
Like 'wouldloveabubba' my wonderful endo Dr Christina Jang in East Melb. put me on propylthiouracil too. What ended up happening was after more bloods and an ultrasound and a biopsy I was found to have 3 nodules on both sides of my thyroid.
I am happy to say that with her and the FS help- they knew I was TTC this year- I had a small window of opportunity- they said go for it with the clomid, and I am happy to currently be 24 weeks pg and due at the end of March :dance:
I get bloods taken every couple of months and so far all is going well, but my thyroid will have to come out after bubs is born.
I know it is not an easy road, but please hang in there and don't give up hope- my little miracle is prrof that they really can happen.
My thoughts are with you all and I pray you have lots if good news soon.:pray:
Love & Hugs
Skippy09
Hi incomplete,
I haven't posted in this thread before (i've been TTC for 9 months) but I'm slightly hypothyroid with suspected Hashimotos (waiting on BT results to confirm). I've had 2 tests this year once it was 2.21 and four months later I got 3.6. The lab cut off was 3.5 for hypothyroid so the GP I saw when I got 2.21 said I was fine. When the FS re-tested and I got 3.6 she referred me to an Endocronologist.
The Endocronologist told me that in her view to concieve and maintain a pregnancy I needed to have TSH between 1-2. This is therefore lower than the lab cut off and the GP being a non-specialist didn't know this bit of info, she just said I was within normal range. I wish I had have known this several months ago!!!!
So based on your TSH results I would definitely ask for a referral to an Endocronoligst for further assessment.
Hi guys, I have an underactive thyroid, diagnosed late 2004. I have been taking thyroxine since then. I also see an endocrinologist who wants my TSH to be as close to 1 as possible. She said that if it is too low, you will have trouble conceiving and if it is too high you will more likely miscarry.
I am currently on my third IVF/ICSI cycle. My ET is tomorrow. For this cycle even though I tested negative to antipholisphoids and NK cells, we decided I would take low-dose aspirin/prednisone/clexane. So fingers crossed that it works!
Has anyone else with hypothyroidism been told to take prednisone even when they test negative for antipholisphoids etc? I think we are just trying something new for the sake of it ...
I have only been on clexane injections for four days, but man they hurt. The FSH needles are fine but the clexane needles are almost blunt. I have to use such force to get them through my stomach. And the bruises! Ouch.
Hmm, I heard more likely to miscarry if your T4 too high (ie, low TSH)....Yowch for those needles!
Incomplete - I would get a second opinion if I were you. Those levels are higher than many endos would like.
We are trying naturally for now, back to IVF early next year for HRT FET... apparently shouldn't interfere too much with thyroid levels, but might double check that with endo.
Hope you're all keep well (or as well as can be).
That's not my recollection; but I could be wrong. I am seeing my endo this Monday for routine BTs so I will make a point to double-check ...
I could have it wrong. Anyway, too high, too low; either way is bad, hey?
All the best for your transfer tomorrow
Marcellus - Very true. Thanks for your well wishes :D
Hi Brunette,
Just wanted to wish you luck with your cycle, and the Clexane/Prednisone/Aspirin, I totally attribute this combination as to the reason I finally got a BFP after 7 transfers. I was also on thyroid meds at the time, my TSH was 2.6 or there abouts over two BTs, I had seen Stacey at Sharkey's Healing Centre and she too had suggested the ideal TSH level for TTC was between 1 and 2, so even though not too high, it could still have made a difference, so well worth looking at.
I tested positive for MTHFR (blood clotting) hence the Clexane, but never tested for NK cells, though my FS was happy for me to give it a go as I had no reaction to the Prednisone.
If you are interested here is one of my old posts with my history and everything I ended up doing. https://www.bellybelly.com.au/forums...ml#post1855283.
Incomplete, I do think that you should look at getting your TSH levels right, I think it made a difference to me. Hoping you get your BFP soon too.
xx
BD - Thanks heaps for the thread. I will have a look at it now.
My transfer went well. We got 6 blasties - no, didn't put all 6 back in :D We froze 4 and put two back. One was even hatching/starting to hatch at time of transfer so we are feeling pretty happy tonight.
Still, it's a long way to go and I know from experience it can be such a rollercoaster ride. We are enjoying the moment for now, though.
Best of luck brunette!! good results...
I am following this thread too, as am now managing Grave's Disease.
My endocrinologist has put me on PTU and says once my thyroid function has been stabilised in the normal range for a couple of months we can resume TTC. I am feeling so much better than I was, but we are just trying to get the dose right (a bit up and down still)....
One thing she did say to be which was a concern, was that new research is showing that high levels of background thyroid antibodies, which cause the graves disease, will increase misccarriage risk, even once thyroid function is normalised. My antibodies are extremely high, and she said that was not a good thing, but that there isnt anything i can do to alter the antibodies. Therefore, any future pregnancy will be high risk...i will also be on clexane, due to having antiphospholipid syndrome...causing blood clotting issues.
However, my naturopath told me there are things i can take, including selenium, to try and reduce the actual antibodies, and I am taking a supplement he has given me, and at least that makes me feel like i am doing something constructive!
Just thought I'd share, in case it's relevant to anyone else in here.
wishing you all the best
Hey Possums, I think it certainly can't help to see a naturopath. Ours has helped us to no end when it comes to my partner's sperm issues. I was told by our naturopath that it is best to seek help as close to possible after diagnosis of thyroid conditions. Unfortunately for me, I had been diagnosed for 5 years before seeing him. Still, he has given me some tablets. I don' know anything about thyroid antibodies. I am seeing my endocrinologist on Monday so I am going to ask her about it. Good luck to you in TTC!
Hi there,
I just saw my Endo and got some test results. I am slightly hypo (and most most likely Hashi's)and have only been on thyroxine for 6 weeks. I find it really difficult to understand the results and how it can impact on conception. I always come out of my appointment feeling really unsettled. My results are as follows:
Free T4 19.1 (9.0-19.0)
Free T3 3.8 (2.6 - 6.0)
TSH .70 (the endo is fine with it being a little low now)
Antithyroglobulin antibodies 94
Antithyroid peroxidase anitbodies 15
Are my test results anything to worry about, particularly the antibodies when TTC?
Lisa - I also have a hypoactive thyroid (Hashimotos). I saw my endo yesterday and my TSH is 0.8. She is happy with this. Ideally ,she wants it as close to 1 as we can get. I don't have my results in front of my but from memory my T4 was also high (but within the parameters; like yours) and I can't remember my T3.
On this visit I particularly asked her about my thyroid antibodies. I should say I was diagnosed about five years ago, and don't worry about feeling confused because even now I sometimes scratch my head. Anyway, I asked about my thyroid antibodies and I have two types. She said this is probably why I was given prednisione (steroid) this IVF cycle. There is another type of antibody (can't remember the name, and I don't have this one) which can transfer across the placenta to the baby. Perhaps next time you can ask your endo about this.
Basically, if your TSH is too high, the risk is that you will miscarry. And if it is too low, the risk is that you will not fall. Hope this helps.
Hi Girls!!...I don't think I can pm anyone yet due to my number of posts so just wanted to ask if I could please have a name of a Reproductive Endocrinologists in Melbourne. Reading your posts are very interesting, thankyou.
I don't know what bloods I've had as I never kept the forms from my previous FS or my current one. I'm hoping they can be sent to my Endocrinolgist once I see him/her as I'm sure I've had ana, antibodies, thyroid done. etc. but I need to get some answers.
I've always had a skin condition that I've just discovered falls under as an auto immune condition. It doesn't say whether it affects fertility - but I need to speak to my FS in Jan. Its called ' steatocystoma multiplex'..cycst under the skin. Its so rare that I doubt will find anyone on here that has it. Here's hoping:)
Anyway I have Dr Jane Tran and Dr Jasn Golanos as Endocrinolgists..but do I need to find one that says ' Reproductive Endo'
Thanks again in advance.x
Charleotte, you can post your question looking for recommendations here.