Pregnancy & Hypothyroidism

I am a 29 year old female, almost 8 weeks pregnant (dating via ultrasound).  Before my pregnancy, I lost 60 pounds, but I am still considered obese.  This pregnancy was a surprise, but nonetheless, a happy one.

I have been on Levoxyl since I was 16 years old. I have Hashimoto's.  My dosage of Levoxyl pre-pregnancy was 150 mcg (down from 175 mcg when I was at my highest weight).  I was stabilized at a TSH of around 2.0 and felt good.  I had enough energy to exercise and work (I stand all day), without too much fatigue.

I just got my first lab results from my doctor and my TSH was 8.42, Free T4 was 1.30.  I am very concerned about the TSH level.  I have read a few studies suggesting higher rates of miscarriage, lower IQs, and poor fetal development when TSH is out of the normal range (specifically, above 6.0).  The thing that bothers me is that the blurb on the lab results from the doctor says, "I am happy to report that the results of your recent tests were normal."

I have also been feeling really weak. I wake up quite tired and dizzy.  I have been monitoring my BP, which has usually been around 100/68 during the day.  My pulse is around 45-50 after I have been sitting a few minutes.  Before the pregnancy, my pulse was generally low, but not usually 45 (I exercised a lot, but now I'm just too tired to do much other than work).  I don't know if these two things are somehow related.

Am I right to be concerned about this?  I have found no where that says a TSH at this level is "normal."  I realize the T4 is normal, but isn't TSH a better indicator when someone is being monitored for the correct Rx dose?

I have a call into my doctor's office, but I would like a second opinion.  Thank you for your help.

Shannon

[Shannon30]

Sorry, I thought this board was monitored by doctors.  So, this post may seem really crazy to some of you!  On the off chance that someone does know something about this, I welcome any comments. :)

Thanks!

[bioclock1]

HI! I too have hypothyroidism but am not pregnant. Obviously I'm not expert but it sounds like your TSH is still low-meaning hypothyroid...right? How come you can't get back on medicine to make your levels normal again?

BTW...you mentioned losing 60lbs before pregnancy...what did you do?? I've been hypothyroid for 5 1/2 years now. Before becoming hypo I weighed 118 and now I weigh 155 and no one can help me. I've been on synthroid and now am on a low dose of armour and working out, eating healthy but still can't lose weight!!
Any ideas.

Also, I hope your doctor answers your questions. There is a thyroid message board (i didn't get any help from it though) that you might wanna post your question in. Maybe someone there can help if they've been through it before.

Good luck!

[sexyhot_dandy]

i am hypertyroidism which is high am 19 wks pregnant i take PTU it helps regulate my  heartbeat but i still have a racing pulse i havent gain any weight am scard for my baby i take my pills every 8 hrs i dont much about bein hypo