You are right about the connection between antibodies and miscarriages -- there was a publication recently suggesting that treating with levothyroxine decreases the miscarriage rate. I interpret the TSH as elevated in the setting of thyroid antibodies, and while there is no definite consensus, would consider treating with thyroid hormone and normalizing TSH (around 0.5-1.5) before trying to conceive again.
This is a tough topic and more research is needed, but my impression of the available data is that there is little risk to a low-medium dose of thyroid hormone in this situation. There is not adequate data to suggest that prednisone has a role in this setting.
I'm glad that you received a concrete answer and by a respectable endocrinologist. I suspect you will take this with you to your next appointment.
Best to you, Sarah and good luck!
~Kate
Hi! I am 38 years old and in excellent health except for a thyroid condition I was diagnosed with 11 years age after my fist son was born. I am taking 0.088 mg of L-thyroxine a day. My blood is checked every six months and my TSH is between 1 and 2. I have 4 healthy children ages 11, 8, 6 and my last was born in July2003. I was closely monitored for my thyroid condition during my pregnancies and had no trouble. I just miscarried for the first time this July. I was 11 1/2 weeks pregnant. The baby was 9 weeks and 6 days. All of my blood work and ultrasounds during this pregnancy was normal. The baby was tested and found to have no genetic defects. I am devastated! I have seen a reproductive endocrinologist who suggested checking for antithyroid antibodies. The test came back positive. I would like to have another child. The endocrinologist suggested trying aspirin therapy. Why am I having a miscarriage if my thyroid is considered stable? I would greatly appreciate any advice! Lynn
Miscarriage is associated with antibodies -- even with normal TSH -- there is debate about what to do but a low dose (25-50mcg) of levothyroxine may decrease the risk of miscarriage in this case as I mentioned above. Not sure about the role of aspirin.
I have been on levothyroxine( 88mcg) for the past ten years. Is there nothing else I can do to lower or get rid of the antithyroid antibodies? Were they present in my other 4 successful pregnancies and I just got lucky? How do the antibodies form? Is it risky to get pregnant again if there are antibodies present in my body? Thanks,
antibodies are associated with miscarriage but are not the only cause of miscarriage. There is limited data on selenium 200mcg/day being helpful in pregnancy complicated by antibodies but no data to suggest it will lower miscarriage rate. Most women with hashimoto's have successful pregnancies, so it is not a contra-indication to pregnancy.