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Thyroid Cancer, Nodules & Hyperthyroidism (Expert Forum)
Hashimoto's disease and TTC
Answered by
Mark Lupo, M.D. - Thyroid Nodules, Thyroid Cancer, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, Thyroid Ultrasound
Thyroid & Endocrine Center of Florida
Sarasota - FL
Questions in the Thyroid forum are answered by Mark Lupo, MD. Topics covered include Goiter, Graves Disease, Hyperthyroid, Parathyroid/Calcium Problems, Thyroid Cancer, Thyroid Nodules/Cysts, Thyroiditis, Thyroid & Pregnancy, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Thyroid Tests, and Thyroid Surgery.
Hashimoto's disease and TTC
by Ruby9Noel, Nov 19, 2008 12:27PM
I am currently 36 and have had hypothyroidism for at least 14 years and have rarely had any symptoms. I have taken my synthroid faithfully and conceived VERY easily in '05 with a VERY smooth pregnancy and healthy child. I have recently been told I have Hashimoto's disease w/ antibodies <1000 and that I should not TTC at this time due to potential birth defects and high risk pregnancy (miscarriage). My endocrinologist has me on a level of synthroid that is an attempt to flush out the antibodies. I have read several success stories that as long as my levels are being monitored as they have been for years and were during pregnancy that I can have another normal successful conception and pregnancy. I'm trying to get to the ground truth once and for all. Please advise.
Doctor's Answer
by Mark Lupo, M.D., Nov 20, 2008 05:30AM
, Nov 20, 2008 05:30AM
You've likely had hashimoto's w/ high antibody levels all along -- the current understanding is that proper levothyroxine treatment (ie synthroid) decreases the risk of miscarriage back to the expected rate (about 15% of pregnancies). It may help "flush out" the antibodies but that is usually not what is followed -- more important is to keep the TSH in the 0.3-2.0 range before and during pregnancy. This sometimes requires an increase in synthroid dose.
