Question about thyroid and infirtility?

[Tizzyliz]

Well first iui didn't work.  RSP did ultrasound and said I could go for round two.  One thing he wanted was another set of blood work because he didn't like my tsh levels(5.20)  He has ordered a TSH, T4, T3, Thyroid antibody tests.  Has anyone had these tests or have any information on what they are looking for.  I have found two different norms for TSH, according to what I read the old norms were like 1.7-5.0 and the new norms are .3-3.0.  Please help me if you know anything let me know. I would appreciate all the information you might have

[Juliet1971]

I'm dealing with similar issues. I had asked my GP for a thyroid screening because I believed it might be the cause of my problems getting pregnant. TSH came back at 6.5 and he said it was a "little" high, but not high enough to treat. My OB referred me to an RE and the RE definitely was interested in treating it.  She referred me to a regular endocrinologist and we've been working to get things managed. My understanding is that the new levels---especially for people trying to conceive--are around .5-2.5 for TSH. That's what my endo is working on.  From what he explained, TSH is the hormone that the pituitary gland produces to stimulate the thyroid gland to make more thyroid hormones (T3 and T4 are two of those thyroid hormones).  If your TSH is high, that means is producing lots of stimulation to the thyroid gland because the thyroid is not working as well as it should (not making enough of its hormones).  In many people, the cause of the sluggish thyroid is an autoimmune disease called Hashimoto's...that's why your doc is going to look at the antibodies. In some cases, just having the antibodies--without even having elevated TSH--can be enough to treat you with thyroid hormone, especially if you're trying to conceive. I'm struggling to get my levels stabilized. I've gone from high TSH to low TSH and am still trying to get things normalized. Frustrating! Good luck to you. (Disclaimer: I'm not a medical person of any kind...just someone else TTC who is dealing with thyroid issues!)

[jamstar]

I had a high thyroid level, sorry can't remember what it was, but my naturopath suggested iodine in my diet.  I now use iodised salt, and it seems to be working.  You can also get iodine tablets too.

Hope this helps.

[carisa]

I have heard the new levels they go by is .3-3.0
I would get treated if I were you. Tsh being around 5 seems too high for getting pregnant.

[casablancas]

I think TSH needs to be around 1.0 for a successful pregnancy, if your TSH is high then it is likely you are hypothyroid and need to be on thyroid replacement hormone to regulate your levels.
Good luck

[lhowell]

Optimal TSH for conception is 1.0 and under.  If you test positive for thyroid antibodies, Selenium can help to reduce those (OTC in the vitamin section).  A TSH of 5.2 is subclinical hypothyroidism and can be helped with a low dose of levothyroxine.  I'm not a doctor, but if I were in your shoes I wouldn't try to conceive again until your TSH gets closer to 1.0 (this can be achieved rather easily and in a matter of months).

Good luck!

[Almalan]

I am a medical technician and work closely with all the doctors in my clinic.  I understand everything about TSH, T4, T3, total and free...Our regular levels in our lab are anywhere from .05-5.0.  I am also hypothyroid and trying to conceive my second child.  My Physician that I work for (also my personal physcian) knows that I am trying to conceive while on Levothyroxine - not Armour.  She doesn't see any problem with my TSH level being a steady 1.5.  That is the best to become pregnant.  If it is any lower, your body becomes nervous, stressed, heart rate increases, you become sweaty and trembling - and have all the the other symptoms of HYPERthyroidism.  I concieved my first time with a TSH of 2.67.  Don't get discouraged.