My hypo story:
Diagnosed with Hypothyroid w hashimotos (meaning thyroid antiobodies that destroy thryroid tissue and more likely to be permanent if have hashis) when DD was about 1. Had no energy and could not think clearly.
Took Thyroid extract for a while, felt so much better. But actually feel back to myself now am on Thyroxine and I didn't think it would make any diff but it did.
Changed to new endo, v serios but v good, and started taking Thyroxine as was easier as better know with TTC. Started on 100micrograms at night in Nov. TSH = 2, endo said he wanted it around 1, so increase to 150mcg in Dec. Took that in morning w breakfast as hated taking it at night!
TSH now = .88 (perfect) Free T4 =16 in high part of range (good), Free T3 = 4 (lower part of range but OK).
I have been worried about my antibody levels as I have had 5 biochemical pregnacies last year and thought that might be the problem. My levels were in high 3-400s untreated,and 40 and 130 before Thyroxine and now 18 and 43. Endo is not worried about these levels.
He says that you would expect to have an elevated level of ATAs (antithyroid antibodies), as I have had the disease. Similar to if you had measles, then you will always have measles antibodies.
Still my body, so I am still taking a herbal prep from np to try to decrease the antibodies.
If anyone has seen a reproductive endo, would be very interested in what they say.
over and out!
Last edited by Samandpoppy; January 30th, 2009 at 07:28 AM.
: clarity
From research I have done on the internet (which is not as good as a good endo) and from a paper the FS gave me, the ATA's cause a problem where the Thyroid issue was not treated, but they didn't make any difference to fertility where the thyroid problem was treated.
Not sure if it is the ATAs (I suspect probably not now) or just being over 40 that is my problem. Could be something else, eg NK cells. Easier to focus on the ATAs, as I can't do anything about being over 40 except lie about my age!!!
I was dx after DD was born, and am currently on 50mcgm/day of thyroxine. I just had my bloods done again and get my results Monday. I have felt for a long time that i'd benefit from an increase but my last GP insisted i was ok because my bloods were "normal". My TSH, last time it was measured, was 4.7. 0.5-5 is normal in the UK.
I'm going to call for my results on Monday and if my TSH is above 2.5 i'm going to ask to have my doseage increased but i'm nervous because i just don't know what the GP will say about it all.
We're hoping to ttc in the summer and from what i've read it'd be wise to get my TSH to about 1 before ttc. I haven't had my antibodies checked since i was first dx and in some ways i don't think i want to. Maybe if ttc proves to be a problem then i will have them re-done...
Hi hoobley,
Hey so cool to get a reply! The guidelines vary and have been revised down to 0.3 - 3.5 here.
Doesn't take long to change blood levels, about 4-6 weeks.
Yes I have read and my Endo Dr H recommended TSH = 1 as ideal. I know GPs do Thyroxine in UK, but maybe worth seeing an endocrinologist? Much more specialised, but probably expensive. Only cost me $188 here which was great. Yes you can live with a TSH of 4.7 but its no good forTTC (in my humble opinion).
I feel better, stronger, more robust emotionally going from 2 to .88, (100 to 150).
We can only get thyroxine in 50,100, and 200 pills here, so I have to take a 100 and a 50 each day.
let me know what your test is...
Don't worry aboutthe antibodies, just get the the TSH right (just ask me I'll tell you what to do!!!)
Also what is to stop you from taking 2 x 50s if that's what you want to do, then get tested by different GP!! I know I'll stop at nothing.
I dont know how to paste journals, but there are a few threads with various thyroid conditions .. go to the main page, and scroll all the way down to health etc, you will find them in there, I have Graves, and I found a thread in that section ,.. I think... Just thought I would let you know as there is heaps of info for you
Registered User
TTC with Thyroid Issues
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