Thyroid levels (T4 especially) and pregnancy

[jenni marie]

Hello!

I'm having my second pregnancy and am at 11.5 weeks. First one ended in miscarriage.  

I have read little bits here and there about how T4 should be in the HIGH normal range.  I am not sure mine is... I have had three tests: the first at my regular doctor right after the pregnancy test was confirmed, and every thing was "normal" (TSH 1.5) but T4 was on the low end of normal.  I have had two more tests since then at an endocrinologist and they haven't informed me of the actual numbers, even though I specifically called and requested that.  They simply pat me on the hand and say "everything is normal."  Anyway--

Just wondering if anyone knows how important the high T4 levels are.  I know that's what Mary Shomon says.  Other than that, I have not read that, and I want to know how much I need to fight with my endocrinologist.  If I need to take more T4, is there still time???  I am so afraid of damaging my baby's cognitive ability.

By the way, I take Armour.  My new endo does not like armour because he says taking any T3 will lower T4.  I tried taking synthroid, but my T3 levels were still too low (and I was freezing and never able to poop--forgive my forwardness) so I switched to armour and like it much better (though I have never ever felt like I'm taking enough.... oh well).

 

Thanks.

[firewoman]

First of all, congratulations on your pregnancy and I'm sorry for your loss.  I have had tow miscarriages and I attribute the first one to very wonky thyroid levels. I take cytomel (a synthetic T-3) along with Synthroid and have been able to keep my t-3 and t-4 levels at optimal levels.  I haven't ever taken Armour so I have no frame of reference in which to compare the two but because the t-3 and t-4 are seperated it may be easier to control your levels independently of each other.

I do not understand why some endos don't like t-3 because from what I have learned over the years, t-4 is turned into t-3 by the body and that t-3 is the more active form of thyroid.  I have seen two different endos and they both told me different things.  I didn't feel human again UNTIL I began taking a t-3 medication along with my t-4 even though my numbers "looked normal".  I think with thyroid stuff you have to go with what feels right for your body and not just by the ranges.

[jenni marie]

That's what I'm sayin.  I have to have some T3.  I was toying with the idea of asking to switch meds but not sure it's a good idea while pregnant.

I just want to make sure I have enough T4.  Not sure my endo is aware that it needs to be on the high end, though frankly, I'm not sure that is even true.  I've only read it one place.  That is why I'm writing to see if anyone else knows for sure.

Thanks for your response!