thyroid issues

[mamaonamission]

I am wondering something and was wondering if anyone can help me.

I know that thyroid issues can cause issues of infertility. And what I was wondering if there was any hope if someone was put on a thyroid medication? Does it help a couple get pregnant? Has it?

Or is... there no hope? (I am willing to accept the fact, I just want to know.)


Also, I have a hypothyroidism - but it is margarinal. Well, my doctor gave me a Rx for Clomid. So, I we are going to try it. But, I am wondering if even with the thyroid issue if I don't have hope.

[Seedlings]

I also have hypothyroidism. With out looking it up I think mine was 3.56? So it was only a little high.

I have been taking levothyroxine perscribed by my re. Unfortunately after 2 injectable iui cycles I am not pg. But (imho) I am sure that is not because of my thyroid. I have other issues.

Did your doctor perscribe clomid to help with your thyroid? Or is it for ovulation concrens? How long have you been trying?

From your post you sound discouraged. But have hope a thyroid condition is very treatable. Let us know how you are doing.

[Perdita_in_Ontario]

Sure there's hope. I developed marginal hypothyroidism after having DD. We only found out when I was doing the b/w for a new IVF late last year. RE said that there's no real reason day-to-day to be on medication, but for fertility reasons it was best to bump it up a bit, so he put me on a very low dose of synthroid, which put me back into the normal range. He's very happy with the results of the b/w and feels it makes me more fertile (we have yet to transfer embryos to test it out :-)

[avocada]

a few natural aids to hypothyroidism

Hi, I know a little bit about hypothyroidism.

From Mary Kittel's "Stay Fertile Longer," p. 250:

-Incorporate sea veggies like kelp, dulse or nori into your diet (good sources of iodine, but she says don't take supplements because you can tip it the wrong way with those)
-See that you have enough iron (i.e., have it tested), cuz it's needed to use the iodine
-Stimulate the thyroid gland with a warm castor oil pack placed over the front of the neck... 45 min, 3x/wk
-Consider dessicated thyroid supplements from a natural-type doc

And yoga:
Certain inverted poses increase circulation to the thyroid gland, but if you're brand new I wouldn't jump in cold-- look for a good class. On your own, though, you can look at yogajournal.com/poses for the following poses, and you could try them as they're presented, but I'd recommend some modifications
-supported shoulderstand: similar to the photo on the site, but I'd (1) add another blanket or two for more height, and (2) put the body in more of a piked position (bend at the hips so the hips are over the elbows, not the shoulders, and the feet are over the head, not the shoulders-- that is, be bent at the hips instead of vertical. Don't turn your head while in the pose.
-plow: same setup as shoulderstand, so use more blankets for more height. And if it's hard to get the feet over, have a chair behind the head to rest the feet on it instead of the floor. Keep lifting the torso. Don't turn your head while in the pose
-fish: a beginner can do it as is shown on the YJ website.


Low thyroid lowers your energy and libido, so it's "natural" to feel extra down about it. It sounds like after taking your synthroid, you're already feeling better, both physically and mentally. Good luck with the transfer!!!

[turtlewomyn]

Mary Shomon also has a book about Thyroid and fertility, I can't remember the name off hand. There is hope.

I am still concerned about mine. My TSH came back as a 4.06. Since the lab says that "normal" is between .5 and 4.5 my doctor says I do not have hypo, and there is no need for treatment (he did offer me antidepressants for my low libido and other symptoms). From reading I am seriously questioning this, especially since I want to TTC #2 this summer. I do not have thyroid antibodies and my Free T-4 levels are well within normal range. I have been eating very well lately, and have seen my symptoms get better (I almost wonder if I was coming off a post partum thryroid issue and it is getting better).

[reina28]

I start my synthroid tomorrow and we are TTC. I have been reading up on it and its not impossible to get pg with hypo, just a little more difficult. This is our first cycle TTC so I can't honestly say if it has made it more difficult for us to conceive. I don't even know what my level was, I will have to call and find out. I am on a pretty low dose so it must not be too bad. The doc did say I should be able to conceive easier once my levels get back into normal range though.

I hope everything is going ok...

[donnamr3211]

I experienced a lot of chemical pregnancies and one blighted ovum and I believe they were due to my thyroid problem.

[MujerMamaMismo]

Originally Posted by mamaonamission

I am wondering something and was wondering if anyone can help me.

I know that thyroid issues can cause issues of infertility. And what I was wondering if there was any hope if someone was put on a thyroid medication? Does it help a couple get pregnant? Has it?

Or is... there no hope? (I am willing to accept the fact, I just want to know.)


Also, I have a hypothyroidism - but it is margarinal. Well, my doctor gave me a Rx for Clomid. So, I we are going to try it. But, I am wondering if even with the thyroid issue if I don't have hope.

I suspect my trouble getting pregnant is a result of my dodgy thyroid - I have hashimoto's and while my TSH is now down to 2, I'm still not feeling great and very definitely not pregnant. I'm seeing a new naturopath who specialises in women's hormones today.

I'm not sure why you have been prescribe clomid though - have you identified that you aren't ovulating? My understanding is that if you are ovulating, then the biggest issue with thyroid and fertility is an inability to hold a pregnancy hence many chemical pregs and miscarriages.

Good Luck.

[airmide_m]

Don't have time/energy to respond fully now but I'll sub and try to get back later. Thyroid is my soap box issue!! I am like a new person since my diagnosis and treatment!!

A caution to those on Synthroid and also those TTC!

It is not uncommon to have extreme emotional reactions to Synthroid such as unbearable anxiety and suicidal depression. I would highly suggest not using Synthroid at all for this (and many other) reason, and if you do, start it and clomid at different times to see how you react to each.

Also so many women have lost so much hair there is a class action lawsuit being formed (mine fell out in handfuls even for months after I switched to natural).

Also there is an increased risk of miscarriage with hypothyroid, especially Hashimoto's *if* it is not properly controlled.

All of those problems can be avoided by *insisting* on natural dessicated thyroid (Armour is the most common brand).

There's a lot more, and I will try to get back with more info soon, or feel free to email me.