Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Thyroid Cancer, Nodules & Hyperthyroidism (Expert Forum)
TSH of 5.5 in pregnancy
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.
TSH of 5.5 in pregnancy
by Tamarah00, Jan 29, 2008 03:07PM
I am 6.5 weeks pregnant and the tests that my Dr did show TSH of 5.4. This is within the range on the test (up to 5.5). She did not test FT4 or any other thyroid enzymes.
I am taking Eltroxin (Thyroxine Sodium) 100mcg 5 times a week since 2003 and have been taking thyroid medication (hypothyroidism) of differing dosages since 1998. However, this is the first time I see the TSH creeping up again in the last 4 years.
My Dr told me not to return before week 14. Is this something I should return for anyway? Does it indicate that I have to increase my medication?
Thanks
Tamarah
I am taking Eltroxin (Thyroxine Sodium) 100mcg 5 times a week since 2003 and have been taking thyroid medication (hypothyroidism) of differing dosages since 1998. However, this is the first time I see the TSH creeping up again in the last 4 years.
My Dr told me not to return before week 14. Is this something I should return for anyway? Does it indicate that I have to increase my medication?
Thanks
Tamarah
Doctor's Answer
by Mark Lupo, M.D., Jan 29, 2008 06:49PM
, Jan 29, 2008 06:49PM
The TSH of 5.4 is high for pregnancy. The average dose increase needed during pregnancy is 25-40% - would consider talking to your doctor about an increase. With the information you give, we would usually increase to 100mcg at least 6x/week with a follow up lab in 5 weeks -- that would be a 20% increase -- would even consider an increase to 7 days/ week as it is better to be slightly over-treated than slightly under-treated during pregnancy.
Guidelines suggest TSH should be no higher than 2.0 for pregnancy.
Guidelines suggest TSH should be no higher than 2.0 for pregnancy.
Related discussions
-
Pregnant and hypo (2 replies):Hi all, I'm 29 wks pregnant with baby#2 (and 29yrs ol...[more]
-
19 weeks pregnant ths get higher!! (1 replies):HEllo I'm 19 weeks pregnant now, this is my second prega...[more]
-
pregnant and hypothyroidism (3 replies):My TSH is 12 and I am 8 weeks pregnant. My doctor raise...[more]
-
TSH 3.29 at 17 weeks pregnancy (3 replies):Hello everybody I really want to have ur opinion on thi...[more]
-
thyroid cancer & pregnancy (1 replies):Dear Doctor, i got thyroid cancer in 2006, and i am pren...[more]
-
increase in meds while pregnantthroughout my first pregnancy, my meds were increased se...[more]
According to the latest guidelines, a TSH of 5.5 is too high anyway (your lab is outdated) - normal levels are now revised to about 3.0 or 3.5.
Dr. Lupo's comment is correct. Thyroid meds need to be increased immediately that you get pregnant and it is very important not to be hypo during pregnancy. Note his comment about TSH not being above 2.0 in pregancy.
Is your doctor an endocrinologist? If not, or even if she is, apparently she doesn't recognise the importance of thyroid hormone to a healthy pregnancy and you should seek a second opinion / find another Dr..
No harm to take Dr. Lupo's recommendation and increase your thryoid meds to 7 days a week, with retest in 5 weeks.
Do try to find a more knowledgable dr.
I just saw my endo to discuss getting pregnant. In anticipation, we are currently adjusting my thryoid meds to get everything high normal (FT3 and FT4). Then he wants to see me 1 month before I start trying to get pregnant to discuss meds and how they would be managed during pregnancy.
Hope this helps.
Sally