High TSH and trying to get pregnant!

[JPW0715]

Hello, I had half of my thyroid out in December due to a nodule that ended up being benign.  I am also wanting to have a baby.  I was cleared by my OB and my surgeon (before any bloodwork came back) to take clomid this month to start trying to conceive (i had to take clomid with my first two kids).  I went to the surgeon yesterday for a follow up to my surgery and all my levels were fine.. but my TSH read high at 11.6..  He said this was not a problem, and I did not need meds, but that is opposite of everything I have heard.  I have read that a high TSH causes major birth defects, low IQs, and premature births.  Should I not try to get pregnant this month?  Also, If I can get put on meds immediately, how long do they take to work?  I am REALLY anxious to go ahead and start trying because we have a lot of family things coming up in the spring where we will have to be traveling.  Thanks so much for you help!

[me1313]

I have had graves disease for the past 9years- ablation-  I have one beautiful 5 year old daughter.  I am 42 years old and have been trying to conceive for the last few years.  Presently I am taking Clomid-this month will be my 3rd regimen to no avail.  I have read other bloggs from women with graves disease-ablation- successfully having one child but cannot seem to get pregnant afterwards.  Is this common?  What is there for me to do? I know my age is a factor but I'm wondering if the main problem is due to my lack of having a thyroid?

Thank you for any feedback..

[me1313]

I have had graves disease for the past 9years- ablation-  I have one beautiful 5 year old daughter.  I am 42 years old and have been trying to conceive for the last few years.  Presently I am taking Clomid-this month will be my 3rd regimen to no avail.  I have read other bloggs from women with graves disease-ablation- successfully having one child but cannot seem to get pregnant afterwards.  Is this common?  What is there for me to do? I know my age is a factor but I'm wondering if the main problem is due to my lack of having a thyroid?

Thank you for any feedback..

[Maureen37]

I would take it for 6 weeks and see what your level is.
I don't think it can hurt you in that short of a time span.
Those of us with Thyroid Cancer are kept on higher doses for a few years.
If you start to get symptoms before 6 weeks go see your doctor again.
Good luck.

[Super_sally888]

Hi,

I can't really comment that .112 is high.  It is definitley within the range of dose that could be given for hypothryoid.

If you are concerned that this is too high, discuss with your dr about starting at a lower dose.

However, given that you are wanting to conceive it would be important to get your TSH down < 2.0.  

Anyway, if you start at this dose, you will be tested for tsh level in 5 - 6 weeks and after that you can adjust higher or lower.

Sally

[JPW0715]

Thank you for your quick response.  My doc is recommending starting treatment at .112 synthroid.  According to everything I have read, that sounds So high to me!!  I would like to start lower.  I am not overweight, and besides only having half of a thyroid, i am very healthy.  What would you recommend?

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

This high of a TSH can hinder fertility and should be treated.  It takes 5-6 weeks to normalize thyroid function on the appropriate dose of medication -- waiting until thyroid is normal is recommended before trying to conceive.  Would also check thyroid antibodies as if these are positive then you likely have Hashimoto's which would support the use of thyroid hormone.  Alternatively, there may be temporary mild hypothyroidism after removing half the thyroid - this does not require treatment usually and will normalize within 2-3 months after surgery.  However, given the consequences of hypothyroidism during pregnancy, would make certain thyroid function is normal before tyring to conceive.