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Thyroid Cancer, Nodules & Hyperthyroidism (Expert Forum)
WORRIED : High TSH in early 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.
WORRIED : High TSH in early pregnancy
by TGPA, Sep 06, 2005 12:00AM
3 years ago I was diagnosed with Thyroid problem with a TSH of 17.40. Since then I have been on synthroid 100MCG and then on Levothroxine for the past few month. I am 9 weeks pregnant and found that my TSH is at 17.56. I am wondering:
1. Is it normal for TSH to get high during pregnancy ?
2. Could having changed from Synthroid to levothyroxine made a difference ?
3. I am really worried that if this level went up in the last few weeks would the baby have been affected ?
4. How often should one be testing TSH during pregnancy ?
Thanks for your advice.
1. Is it normal for TSH to get high during pregnancy ?
2. Could having changed from Synthroid to levothyroxine made a difference ?
3. I am really worried that if this level went up in the last few weeks would the baby have been affected ?
4. How often should one be testing TSH during pregnancy ?
Thanks for your advice.
Doctor's Answer
by Mark Lupo, M.D., Sep 06, 2005 12:00AM
, Sep 06, 2005 12:00AM
Thyroid requirements go up 25-40% during pregnancy. Changing to generic sometimes will alter TSH levels as the effective "absorption" may vary despite being on the same dose. Elevated TSH levels are sometimes associated with fetal development problems, there are few studies that are well-designed that address this issue; however, one study suggested slightly lower IQ scores for offspring of hypothyroid women.
In your case I would consider going back on Synthroid (stay consistent with brand) at a dose between 125-137mcg/day and TSH as well as T4 should be measured every 6-8 weeks during pregnancy. Of course, over-treatment (low TSH) during pregnancy also has problems so close monitoring is essential.
This is general advice and follow-up with your local physician is imperative.
Good Luck!
In your case I would consider going back on Synthroid (stay consistent with brand) at a dose between 125-137mcg/day and TSH as well as T4 should be measured every 6-8 weeks during pregnancy. Of course, over-treatment (low TSH) during pregnancy also has problems so close monitoring is essential.
This is general advice and follow-up with your local physician is imperative.
Good Luck!
Member Comments (3)
by TGPA, Sep 07, 2005 12:00AM
Thanks for that. I am wondering given that this has been detected almost 9 weeks into the pregnancy, could there have been potential complications created already ????
by catgirl4, Sep 08, 2005 12:00AM
I had my thyroid out years ago. when I was pregnant with my second child my endo. was testing my levels every 4 weeks. my dose of levoxyl went up from 125mg to 225mg by the 9th month. she told me it was very important to have my levels checked every month. My child was totally healthy. As a matter of fact it was thye only time since I had my thyroid out that I felt kinda of normal....
