TSH level 3.3 - and TTC....

[Anonymous]

So i've been TTC for about 8 months. I'm 31. Anyway, I saw an RE for the first time this week and blood work was performed for my TSH (and other hormones). The other ones came back normal, but my TSH is 3.3 (hypothyroid). The normal range appears to be .3-3.0. I was told by the office they want me to be 2.5 and under for opti mal egg health. I've been asked to start Levothyroxine- 550 micrograms/day until I conceive and then continue taking it until delivery (if all goes well naturally).

I'm extremely weary of taking the medication past conception. Does anyone know the reason? I only had a brief discussion with the nurse on the phone who told me my results and wants me to start ASAP. I ovulate this upcoming weekend. I don't love the idea of taking medication throughout a pregnancy if it can be avoided. What is the need to continue? Can I not conceive naturally with that level? And after hearing my levels I contacted a natural health store which told me to try as an alternative:

Selenium
Zinc
Coconut oil

I went ahead and purchased those and did some brief online research but am not sure how long these supplements will take to bring me to the appropriate levels.

What would you do? Take the prescription and supplements or just the prescription or just the vitamins? Anyone dealt with this issue and did your doctor explain how soon Levothyroxine works?

[Anonymous]

Same thing happened to me. I decided to medicate because the rx is one of the safest meds out there. Looking back glad I've been taking it and we did find success after starting meds (other changes ad well though).

[Anonymous]

And did you mean 55mcg?

[Anonymous]

Pregnancy can take a real toll on your thyroid levels, which can have an impact on the baby if they go unchecked, which is why they indicated you should take the medication throughout pregnancy. As PP said, the medications are some of the safest out there. And, as with any med during pregnancy, the risks of not taking it need to be weighed against the risks of taking it. I would personally not look to supplements to address this issue, as they are not proven to work on the issue or tested in pregnancy. I would also not take them in conjunction with the prescription unless you discuss it with your RE, as they could make the situation worse when combined with the prescription.

Also, the range your doc quoted for optimal thyroid level and ttc is correct - needs to be under 2.5 (and under 2 is even better). The range the lab quotes is for general health and is not specific to ttc. You can use google to get more info on the topic, as studies have been done that show improved pregnancy rates with a thyroid level under 2.

[Anonymous]

I also have hypothyroid and took levoxyl throughout my pregnancy and now have a healthy 2 year old ds. It is completely safe and your unborn child needs it especially if you have a thyroid problem.
I also agree with the previous poster, your level needs to be under 2.0 for trying to conceive. And, I would not take any other supplements.

[Anonymous]

yes i meant 55mcg's sorry!

I think I will drop the suppments and go right onto the prescription. I do have anxiety about starting medication when TTC, but it sounds like there is nothing to be stressed about. Is 3.3 considered a bad number?

[Anonymous]

I agree with the two previous posters. It is extremely important that you maintain your thyroid levels in the normal range throughout your entire pregnancy. Its crucial for the development of your unborn baby. Once you are pregnant, they will monitor your levels throughout pregnancy and will most likely increase the amount of meds you take. I say alll of this thru experience and please make sure you don't skip one day of medicine. Your thyroid levels react quick to the medicine and skipping one day can begin to raise your levels.

[Anonymous]

OP here again, and I've read online once you start taking this medication you need to start taking it for life, is that right? I just did a quick read so i could've missed something. I have a friend with thyroid issues and I know she has to take hers for life.

[Anonymous]

Take the prescription. Thyroid medications (levothyroxine) are manufactured versions of a hormone that your body makes naturally, which is why they are very safe. If you have hypothyroidism, you typically need to stay on thyroid medication permanently (unless you have some sort of random homonal change). The thyroid medication may increase your energy levels if you've been feeling sluggish.

[Anonymous]

I'm 1:05/06 and I'm debating whether or not I want to medicate for the rest of my life. Still waiting to lose a bit more baby weight and then I might wean off and see how I feel. I do feel better overall now though so I might stay on.

Doesn't hurt to be a little on the hyper side when taking care of a little one.

Oh and my endocrinologist wanted my tsh to be between 1-2 for TTC/pg. Had it checked frequently in early pg because it can fluctuate. My dose was adjusted a couple times.

Good luck, OP!

[Anonymous]

I agree with the PPs to take the pills. My TSH was 3.0 and my RE wanted it below 2.0. My (regular) endocrinologist said it was very important to have good thyroid levels for healthy brain development for the baby and he monitored me closely through about 18 weeks pregnant.

That amount of levothyroxine is pretty low (kind of an entry level dose) and for me, I can't even tell a difference being on it. But I know my levels went down and that is good.

[Anonymous]

Take the prescription. Hypothyroidism has been linked to both infertility and miscarriage. You need it and your baby needs it to be healthy.

[Anonymous]

OP Here. Just picked up my prescription. I will absolutely be taking it, and then after conception and delivery (fingers crossed we get there), I will then try to manage it naturally! Thank you ladies, your advice has been wonderful.

[Anonymous]

After delivery is one thing, but after conception, I would really be hesitant to try to handle it naturally. Do some more research.

[Anonymous]

OP here...don't worry, after delivery....not b/f that...I've done a little bit of reading over the last day, and the risk of miscarriages and brain damage isn't worth it...i wish it had been caught sooner, so then I'd be more comfortable with the idea of taking a pill longterm and not right around conception.