Thyroid and Infertility

Hello,

I am 22 years old and about 5 years ago I was diagnosed with Graves disease. After a year of trying meds to get my hormones back in to normal levels I had RAI. Now I am hypothyroid. Having been hypothyroid for 4 years we still can't quite get my hormones under control. How much does having a thyroid disorder affect being able to get pregnant? Especially with the ups and downs of my thyroid hormones. Should I be going to an OBGYN? If so how often? I am currently not sexually active, I do have a boyfriend who I am getting pretty serious with. If marriage is going to be in the picture I need to be able to him. Thanks.

[Forum-M.D.-SP]

You should be seeing a medical endocrinologist/thyroidologist for your thyroid problems, and an ObGyn for general women's care, PAP smears, annuals, etc. If your periods are regular (and you are not on the pill, patch, or nuvaring) then there is at worst a small negative effect of being hypothyroid on pregancy outcome, but significant enough to warrant making sure your thyroid is under control . If your periods are irregular, the first step is to control your thyroid hormone levels, and then if your periods still are not regular use fertilit drugs to ovulate. If that is the case, I would recommend seeing an infertility subspecialist. After RAI, it is usually pretty straightforward to get your TSH normal with thyroid replacement.

[climber09]

So should I be going to an OBGYN eventhough I am not sexually active. Or can I wait until just before I get married? sorry for the weird questions. I'm from Utah we don't talk about this kind of stuff. I am kind of airy on it.

Thanks

[queenbee16]

All women should see an obgyn yearly for an exam and pap test, even if you are not sexually active. Here's a link to explain the test and why you should have it done. Good luck!
http://www.4women.gov/faq/pap.htm

[blesschild]

I had that same problem in December when I miss my period for 2 months. I thought I was pregnant.I had thyroid  so I went on the internet and did some research. I realize that if your hormones are unbalance you will experience all these signs and symtoms (symptoms). I went and got some progesterone cream and female hormone balance pills. I have to thank god I have'nt felt no pain since.

[beckz]

I just wanted to shout out in agreement with queenbee.  ALL WOMEN should see an Ob/Gyn for annual exams and pap smears starting with puberty.  Yes, it seems embarrassing.  Everyone feels that way.  But your doctor has seen every type of private part of on all sorts of woman -- you are just one more, nothing special.  If you think of it that way -- and know that you doing something to ensure your health and help prevent disease -- if will be easier to get those feet in the stirrups.  Please don't let ignorance or shame keep you from going to a doctor for an exam... your life could depend on it!