Just diagnosed...

Mera · 08-05-2003, 01:38 PM

What can I expect with Synthroid? How quickly will it work? Will it really help us ttc?

Thanks and sorry for all the questions - I'm a tad freaked out at this point.

JessicaE · 08-05-2003, 01:47 PM

Sorry that you've got thryoid troubles, Mera, but it's good news that you've been diagnosed!

My endo says it's useless to test your levels until you've been on Synthroid (or a new dosage) for at least 4 weeks, preferably 6 weeks. So I'd give it at least that long before expecting any noticeable changes. Also, know that it may take them a little while to get the dosage exactly right -- it's hard to know how your body will react and how much you'll need to bring you up to a normal level.

Will it help you TTC? Well not so much help, but it will remove an important roadblock. Women with thyroid problems have a harder time conceiving, and once they do get pregnant, they have a higher risk of miscarriage. So once you get the Synthroid working in your system, you'll be on more of a level playing field, so to speak.

And WHEN you get pregnant, please have your thyroid levels tested again right away. You will probably need a higher dosage. Good luck! I hope this will be an important step for you both in terms of feeling good and TTC.

Mera · 08-05-2003, 02:33 PM

Thank you, Jessica! I'm just glad that we are a little closer to understanding WHY I'm having so many problems getting/staying pregnant. Congrats on your little peanut!

auteurperdu · 08-09-2003, 05:57 AM

A TSH above 2.0 leads to miscarriages, birth defects, and infertility. It is very important that you are not only treated for hypothyroid but that your tsh is lowered to that level or below. Some dr's are a little old-fashioned and stick to lab values, don't allow this to happen to you. Fight to get your levels down low enough. There is plenty of info on hypothyroidism and infertility on the internet, check out about.com for a start. Good luck!

JessicaE · 08-09-2003, 11:49 AM

Quote:

A TSH above 2.0 leads to miscarriages, birth defects, and infertility.

I'm sorry to be disagreeable, but this is simply not true. While some REs believe that a TSH between 1 and 2 is ideal, anything under 3 is certainly safe and adequate. The "old" lab values go all the way up to 4 or 5, and it is true that some doctors still adhere to those. I would insist on something under 3, but there is no reason to be alarmist and make women with a TSH of 2.5 believe that they will miscarry or have a child born with birth defects. Talk this over with your OB or midwife, and preferably a highly qualified and well-researched endocrinologist to come up with the ideal range for your body.

Also, your T3 and T4 are more important to know than your TSH, so be sure to ask to have those tested as well. The TSH is more like a thermostat (goes up when your body needs more thyroid hormone, down when it doesn't), and it simply reflects how hard your body is working to produce T3 and T4, which are the true measures of how your body is working.