TTC & Hypothyroidism

[lizliz]

Hello,

We are going to be TTC soon. I have hypothyriodism. Will this affect TTC? Has anyone BTDT? I have had hypothyroidism for 2.5 years and have never once had to change my dose, if that means anything.

Thanks Ladies!

[TXmom2]

Hi lizliz,
I have Hypothyrodism and have been on medication for the last 12 years. I tried to conceive off & on for 10 years, with no luck. (well, 2 m/c). I finally found a new ob/gyn that had been involved in a study of infertility in women with "normal" ranges on the lower end of the scale (which I was. Always normal, but on the low side of normal)
She increased my dosage by 50mcg and within 3 months I was pregnant and my miracle baby girl was born in July

I'm just sharing this because it may be worth looking into if you find you have difficulty.
Good luck!

[MommaRNCCRN]

I have had hypothyroidism since 2003 diagnosed since trying to conceive #1. I got pregnant with my son three months after starting Synthroid. I had to have my blood levels checked every 6 weeks during the pregnancy and had to increase my dose each time. I also got gestational diabetes so I was induced on my due date and DS was born perfectly healthy.

I'm currently ttc #2. I also had gastric bypass last April and have lost 85lbs. My cycles have become regular and I even had a pregnancy last November which ended up in a miscarriage at 6 wks. Been ttc since January..no luck this last cycle. My thyroid levels have been a mess since my weight loss surgery. I'm currently on 150mcg's of levothyroxine(generic Synthroid-$4 prescription at my pharmacy). My primary Dr is sending me to see an endocrinologist but I can't get in to see her until April. If I get pregnant before April, I need to call for an earlier appt. I'm hoping to get knocked up again soon.

[stellamia]

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism 11 years ago. I conceived my first son without even trying (my miracle surprise) and my second son was conceived the month we stopped preventing.

Synthroid did NOTHING for me and I really recommend you try to get Armour thyroid if at all possible. It's natural (pig thyroid). There's currently a HUGE demand for it and therefore, a shortage but I get it from Walmart without any issue so hopefully it's not hard to get for you!

Also, my sister stopped taking meds altogether and uses a concotion of natural thyroid support (something she gets from Mother's Market), iodine drops and one other thing but I can't remember it at the moment!

I think if you can get your thyroid levels normal, TTC shouldn't be a problem!

Please feel free to PM me if you have any questions!

[mLeroux]

Hi,

I was diagnosed with Hashimotos Thyroidits in 2006. Apparently I had it for a while because my TSH level back then was 240 (yeah I know unbelievable). Good news, I had all of my four daughters before being dx. I'm almost certain that I had it (know that I know what normal feels like again) at some point before 2006. Anyhow I don't think hypot affects everyones fertility the same.

As of now we are not trying to conceive, but are thinking about it maybe later this year. Oh, since 2006 I've been on synthroid and feel greaaaaat!

Hope all goes well in TTC

Michelle

[Frisbee]

I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis when I was 11 and have been on Synthroid since I was a teenager. I got pg with my DD on the "first try" and had only one dosage change during my pregnancy with her. I also had a couple of adjustments in the dosage, if I remember correctly, when I was nursing her. We'll see how it goes with TTC #2! I just went off the bcp a couple weeks ago.

As I recall, they tested me once per trimester when I was pg with dd. I did stress about it, especially in the beginning, and had to keep reminding them that I needed to get tested.

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

With controlled hypothyroid there really isnt any issues with ttc. It is when it is unmedicated that the problems arise. The risk of m/c is higher for a woman with hypo as well as possible issues with the babies thyroid after birth.

I havnt had a thyroid since 96 been on meds since. I have had 2 m/c but neither where because of my thyroid which was at a perfect level with lyvathroid.

[welshwife08]

Hi!

Just to echo what everyone has said--as long as your hypothryoidism is controlled on meds, there really shouldn't be any problem TTCing.

I've had hypo for a few years and it took four months for us to conceive. HOWEVER, make sure your levels get checked regularly when you do get pregnant!! My TSH levels shot up to 32 during my first trimester. We've only had to adjust the dose once and everything has been great!

Good luck!

[MaerynPearl]

To echo, get tested while pregnant...

but also, get tested regularly for several months postpartum!

My own experience is all women should regardless of if they are diagnosed before having the baby... so many women get postpartum thyroiditis and have it shrugged off as merely postpartum depression. After it happened with my second, I am constantly tested (currently not hypo) and will be tested monthly for the first year postpartum because it may or may not show up again right away. Your levels can also change in that time even if you are already hypo, the pregnancy/birth can cause strain on your already strained thyroid.

[lizliz]

Thanks so much ladies! I appreciate all of your responses! Good luck to all of you TTC!

Liz