insomnia and Synthroid

[Rose432]

I am 30 weeks pregnant with severe insomnia.  It started suddenly 3 weeks ago--never had insomnia before.  I am 35, and I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis in my early 20s.  I have a strong family history of thyroid disease (mother had Graves' disease, several siblings have Hashimoto's or hypothyroidism).  After I was diagnosed, I went 10 years without any thyroid tests (no symptoms).  Two years ago, when I was 33, I had routine bloodwork and my internist discovered a slightly underactive thyroid gland (I think my TSH was between 5 and 6 -- again, no symptoms).  She initially put me on 25 mcg Synthroid, later upped the dose to 50 mcg, and I stayed there for about a year.  This past February, I found out I was pregnant. My OB increased my dose first to 75 mcg and then, in late May, to 100 mcg.  My TSH has been lower than ever before (though not abnormally low -- around 2).   Back in mid-July, I began this terrible insomnia.  It started abruptly one night and has not ceased.  I am having terrible trouble falling asleep and lie awake all night most nights.  My heartbeat is fast and strong.  My resting pulse is high (in the 80s rather than the 60s).  I am very healthy and fit otherwise.  I have also not gained much weight during this pregnancy -- only about 16 pounds at 30 weeks.  I went to the OB for a routine visit two weeks ago, and she tested only my TSH -- normal.  She said the insomnia was probably being caused by pregnancy (estrogen, baby moving ,etc.) not thyroid.  But two weeks later, I can't help but think that my Synthroid is playing in.  I have a strong sense that my metabolism is too fast, and here I am taking a pill every day to increase it.  I desperately want to try cutting back my Synthroid and see I get some relief.  At this point in the pregnancy (almost 31 weeks), do I need to be as worried about a low TSH for baby's development?  What if I am just more comfortable around 3 or 4 rather than 2? Any thoughts?  Thanks very much.  --Rose

[gingerbug]

Hi rose, I had your symptoms also while preg. Sally is right be careful for babies sake, the little one really needs the synthroid. It is also the safest drug for baby. Make sure you have your levels checked right after the baby, my endo did not check mine and I almost blew out my thyroid.

[Super_sally888]

Hi Rose,

your TSH of 2 or less is ideal for pregnancy.  You need to keep it there for your baby's sake.

The things you are describing like strong heart beat, feeling that your metabolism is high, and insomnia are actually all very common in pregnancy.  Some women have horrible insomnia in pregnancy... you may be one of those unlucky ones.

Bear with it, another 8 - 9 weeks and you will have your baby here.  Stay as active as you can and try napping if you can't sleep that much.

Have you checked out the pregnancy medical support communities (under the forums here).  You can meet lots of other ladies going through the same thing.

Type insomnia and pregnancy into your browser and you'll come up with lots of info.

Best wishes

Sally

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

Still recommended goal is 0.3-2.0 in general for pregnancy.