Hashimotos while pregnant

[wunderlux]

Hi
I am currently 4 weeks pregnant for the first time and I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's Disease last year while being screened for why I was not having a period for 6 months.

Thankfully I was able to conceive with the help of estrogen pills and a HCG shot at ovulation.  My questions is, I just got my TSH levels back and my TSH is at 4.52.  I am currently taking 25mcg of Synthroid daily and in July my Thyroglobulin AB was 98.  I have been reading so much on miscarriages because of having Hashimoto's- I know I should increase my dosage of Synthroid to get my TSH down, but am I doomed for miscarriage because of the numbers I have already?  Does anyone know if these antibodies numbers are of a high concern?  Any information would be greatly appreciated....I would love to be armed with knowledge to talk to my RE about and hopefully prevent anything from happening.

Thanks in Advance!

[Sunnieraez]

Doctor,
     Have you heard of taking low dose T3 in addition to Levothyroxine for hypothyroidism? I have been reading so much about it yet I've been to see 2 endocrinologists for my hashimoto thyroidis and they both think Synthroid is an adequate treatment.  Have you ever prescribed low dose Cytomel with Synthroid for example? Thanks!

[Sunnieraez]

I have Hashimoto too...diagnosed last year as well.  I am presently taking estrogen pills too for ovulation.  It has only been 5 days on estradiol 2 mg..  We weren't considering starting a family at this time but doc says don't put it off any longer.  Happy to hear that you conceived, that is great.
How long did it take and what was your FSH and LH like? I feel like it is the Hashimoto that is causing the anovulation.  My doc doesn't seem to agree.  Cause sometimes my cycle is "normal" and I feel great and other times, like now, not having a period since early July I feel awful and my FSH and LH are up there.  How long did it take to get your cycle going after taking estrogen and what exactly is HCG?  
Feel well and cogratulations!

[wunderlux]

Than you doctor for answering my question- that does put my mind more at ease.  I do have one more question, I know a lot has been written about taking baby aspirin to combat any other antibodies you may have.  I, unfortunately, did not get tested for any other antibodies before I got pregnant and I know I cannot get tested for them while I am pregnant.  Do you recommend taking the baby aspirin as a precautionary measure, or would that do more harm than good?

thanks!

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

You are by no way "doomed" -- but keeping the TSH in the 0.3-2.5 range is best.  This will require a dose increase -- at least to 50mcg and re-test in 4-5 weeks to make sure you are moving in the right direction.  Positive antibodies do increase miscarriage rate but don't guarantee it -- keeping the TSH down is the best protection.