Any one have thyroid and ANA antibodies?

[kris71]

Do any of you have or have knowledge of how thryoid and ANA antibodies can affect fertility? I have one son who is almost 2 1/2 years old (got pregnant 3 mos after trying with him and had an uneventful/normal pregnancy). When my son turned 1, we decided we wanted to get pregnant again since i was almost 37 years old. 1 year and 1/2 later, I'm still not pregnant. My obgyn couldn't figure it out and decided we do laproscopic surgery. Besides a few adhesions from my c section which the dr got rid of and one slow fallopian tube (took extra push to get the dye through my right tube) the dr told me nothing looked out of the ordinary and doesn't understand why i am not getting pregnant and chalks it up to being over 35 years old. A month later my regular gp found my thryoid to be enlarged and after several tests etc, i was diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease. My TSH and Free levels are normal but my thyroid antibodies are in the 100's. I then had some additional anti nuclear antibody testing done and came out positive at 1:80. I've been researching antibodies and found out they can really affect fertility. Although, my obgyn and the fertility doc i just met with told me that it shouldn't be affecting me getting pregnant. If they were, i would be getting pregnant and miscarrying early on. I have a 27 day cycle and am never late. i have not gotten tested for other antibodies such as sperm or ovary etc. but i can't help but think this is my problem. My fertility dr wants me to move forward with clomid and iUI next month (if i don't get pregnant this month) My question is has anyone had experience with antibodies and if so, what was the treatment etc? My other thought is, if these antibodies are attacking sperm and or some kind of reproductive organ or even a fertilized egg that has yet to implant, does it even make sense for me to waste the money doing IUI?  Thanks!

[Loveday511]

I have learned from my Dr. the thyroid issues and elevated antibodies can affect fertility.  I actually was told at the beginning of my journey that my husband and I had unexplained infertility.  I then went to see a specialist and they did a series of tests and found that I had elevated TSH levels and antibodies.  He wanted to send me to an endocrinologist but decided to see what Synthroid would control my thyroid.  In the end I found out I have hypothyroid.  So I have been on Synthroid since October and my levels have decreased and seem to be staying that way while on the meds.  I just recently did my first IUI in November and just did my 2nd yesterday.  I don't know if this helps....I hope it does.

[kris71]

I am on synthroid as well - well levothyroxine (generic). i am on 50mcg's but think i might need an increase - even tho my #'s are fine - TSH at 1.93. I still feel like crap. Anyway - i am waiting to see an endo as well but they can't take me till feb! Have you been tested for any other antibodies besides thyroid?  Have you gotten pregnant and miscarried at all? i have not gotten pregnant at all in the past yr and half. I'm just afraid that these antibodies are just attacking everything including sperm, eggs, unimplanted fertilized egg etc and that is the reason for the infertility. what were your dr's thoughts on your antibodies and the first IUI not taking?

[Loveday511]

I am on 50mcg as well.  My TSH when I tested back at the beginning of November was 1.36.  I don't think they tested me for any additional antibodies but when they originally tested they just told me I had elevated antibodies....maybe I should look into that further!  I have been ttc conceive for 2 1/2 yrs.....I did get pg April of 2008 but m/c May of 2008.  I m/c before I saw a specialist so I never found out if the thyroid or antibodies was the reason for the m/c but the specialist that I am going to now seems to think it did play a roll.  The Dr. didn't seem to think the thyroid was the issue for the first IUI not taking but just that the first IUI doesn't seem to always work.   So maybe the antibodies does have something to do with it all.....you now have me wondering and I am going to ask my Dr. about that!!   Have you had any m/c since you have been ttc this go round?

[kris71]

no, i've had no miscarriages. I just can't seem to get pregnant again at all which is just very strange to me given I got pregnant fairly easily before. My fertility doc gave me some stats regarding getting pregnant and said given the stats and my age it could take me up to 7 yrs to get pregnant. I am 38 so i don't have that kind of time! anyway - i have friends that are my age and even a yr or 2 older and getting pregnant on their first try. anyway -after i tested positive for the thyroid antibodies and the anti nuclear antibodies (ANA), i started doing research on them.  Like a mentioned in a previous post, when i brought this up with both my obgyn and my fertility doc said they can play a role but they seem to think i would be getting pregnant and miscarrying at least. I'm not getting pregnant at all. i read that steroids (prednisone) could help fight the antibodies and am wondering if i need to go on that (although i think taking steroids have their own downsides) anyway good luck with your IUI - did you do clomid or the injectables?  clomid and IUI are my next step next month if this month turns out to be a bust - currently i'm 6dpo.  i'm crossing my fingers and praying for both of us!

[Loveday511]

Good morning!  That is quite strange that you aren't getting pregnant if you have been pregnant before so easily.  I don't know much about ANA which I will certainly have to research to....that has me thinking.  Steroids may help but then you have the weight gain and other side effects that aren't quite fun.....but hey if that is what will work right?  Thanks for the good luck....I sure hope this is going to work this time....I am a little worried though since my husbands washed sperm was only 2.5mil!  Quite low compared to the 10mil he had the first IUI.  But my specialist keeps telling me we only need one to stick!  This IUI cycle I did clomid day 5-9 and day 9 I did Bravelle (FSH injectable) and Ovidrel (HCG trigger) 2 days before IUI procedure.  He also put me on Estrogen cause my lining was as thick as he would like and also progesterone.  I am a walking ball of hormones right now but it will all be worth it.  So you are day 6po....you don't have too much longer :-)  I am praying for you too and hope we get our BFP!!!  What a wonderful New Years surprise....it will start the year off just right!