spinoff - endocrinologist (not RE) for thyroid issues & TTC

[Anonymous]

Starting a new thread so as not to hijack the other one.

My TSH is on the high side (around 3), and my RE is not concerned, but I am. Can anyone recommend an endocrinologist (not an RE) who is good with thyroid issues in the TTC/fertility context?

[Anonymous]

I see Dr Tanen at Endocrine Associates in Tysons/ McLean. I'm not sure how much he deals with TTC/ fertility issues, but he's been willing to help me get my TSH down into the lower end of the normal range (around 1), which is what I needed to regulate my cycles that went wacky due to post-partum thyroid issues, and stayed irregular at a TSH of 2.5. So, you might need to be a little proactive about pushing for the TSH you'd like to achieve, but he will take your complaints about 3.0 not working for you seriously. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Perfect - I live right near Tysons!

[Anonymous]

What is a normal TSH? I had mine test in 2008 and it was 2.79. Is this considered high? Should I have it tested again? Could this be the reason why NCIVF and multiple IUI's with donor sperm have not worked for me? I seem to be ovulating fine (according to BBT chart and CBE fertility monitor), I also seem to have a normal period (around 26-28 days) and a 14 day luteal phase according to fertilityfriend.com.

Should I see an endocrinologist as well? (Aside from the RE at SG I am seeing)

[Anonymous]

OP here.

I posted on FF as well and got some interesting responses (look on the general TTC board, thread about TSH).

Someone replied that an RE - despite the name - is really a subspecialty of obstetrics and gynecology, not of endocrinology. At least one person posted that their RE had referred them out to a regular endo for thyroid issues b/c REs, for the most part, don't treat thyroid problems. Thyroid issues require continuous monitoring and tweaking the medication dosage to get it just right; it's just not part of what REs do - they are there to get you pregnant and release you to your OB, not to monitor your thyroid over the long term.

My RE at SG said my TSH is "normal" but I have had checked twice, once was 2.9 and the other was 3.3. According to my research, that is sub-clinical and considered borderline for hypothyroid. In some places, you'll read that under 5 is normal, but I have also read that it really should be 2 or less, and especially for TTC and during pregnancy, most doctors want you to be in the 1-2 range.

I'm confused about whether this is a real issue for me b/c I do ovulate regularly and have normal cycles, so I don't know if my thyroid is contributing to my difficulties (I know age is a definite factor for me and it seems likely that egg quality is the only factor, as my thyroid really does not seem to be impacting my cycles).

In any case, I'm going to see a regular endo anyway. I believe I have some of the other symptoms of hypothyroid and it's worth investigating further since it's such a treatable condition. I'm interested to hear his/her opinion and whether it differs from my RE's.

[Anonymous]

Suzanne Rogacz in Fairfax. I was seeing her for thyroid and when I told her about my trouble getting pregnant (trying for a year starting at age 26) she diagnosed PCOS and I got pregnant on the first try after starting meds.