pregnant low t4 free

[jonnyspeeds]

I am 12 weeks pregnant, and my OB ran a TSH and Free T4 2 weeks ago.

TSH        .72         (.34 - 4.82)
Free t4    .63         (.77 - 1.61)
Total t4    7.0         (4.7 - 13.3)

My OB says since my TSH is normal, that I don't need any medication even though my t4 free levels are low, because this would just cause my TSH to go lower.  The research I have done says a low t4 free can harm the baby.  Do I need to get a second opinion.  Could this cause IQ problems with the baby.  Thank you for your help.

[jonnyspeeds]

Just an update.  Thank you for your help.

I went to another doctor and he retested my levels and ran a test for thyroid antibodies.  He said the test for the antibodies was negative but my Free T4 was .37 and TSH 1.32.  He started me on 25 mcg of synthroid 2 days ago.  Sure hope this helps.  Thank again for the advice.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

Free T4 levels are often difficult to interpret especially during pregnancy.  This is contraversial as there is some research stating that isolated low T4 is harmful, but the question remains regarding the reliability of the test.  Would also look at T3 and continue to follow Total T4 (the reference range for total t4 in pregnancy should be shifted by 50% upward --- ie 7-19 roughly).

Would go ahead and retest, also test thyroid antibodies.

I will try to follow this thread -- so let me know what happens.

[icudoucme]

I'm not a doctor, but have had issues with my thyroid, I am prego too, and I had my blood done last week.  My doctor is not treating me by my TSH, she is treating me by my FreeT4, it was off, but my TSH was within normal.  She upped my thyroid med.  If I were you I would get another oponion.  
Val