Is Levothroid 0.025 likely to lower my TSH from 4.8 to under 2.5?

[ScienceMama]

I just learned that my TSH level is 4.82mU/l, and I have some symptoms of hypothyroidism (including a small goiter). I'm 39 and want to try getting pregnant with my second child ASAP.

My doctor put me on 0.025mg of Levothroid. Is this low dosage likely to bring my TSH levels into a desirable range for getting pregnant? Or is this a long shot?

From what I've read, I gather that I should aim for TSH< 2.5. I also gather that it is unwise to attempt getting pregnant until I normalize my slightly elevated TSH levels. My biological clock is ticking, so I'd like to get my TSH normalized as soon as possible.

I hope my current dose is on the right track. But if 0.025 mg seems to low to do the trick, I'd like to know right away. I don't want to spend months playing trial-and-error with very low med levels.

Thanks in advance for your help!

[GravesLady]

Some doctors like the TSH between 1 and 2.  The med. does effect each of us different, so there is no way to tell you if 0.025 mg. will get you where you want to be.  However, it is best to go slow with the med. dose, with low doses at a time and working up, so as not to over shoot your goal, which then will take you twice as long to get to your goal.

Go slow, with low doses at a time and working up, get tested 6 weeks after each med. dose change, and you just might not have to "spend months playing trial and error"....   However, it will take time.  I assume you want to be a heathy pregnant women, with a healthy baby.

GL
GRAVESDISEASEANDRAI

[ScienceMama]

Thanks. I met with a reproductive endocrinologist yesterday who told me that 0.025 mg is almost a "homeopathic" dose, so that really concerned me. It's not been clear if my doctor(s) are taking my TSH level seriously, so I thought maybe my GP was giving me a low, virtually ineffective dose just to get me off her back.

[GravesLady]

Well, it is hard to tell what doctors have in mind. So its best to discuss your treatment and your concerns with them.  With being pregnant your levels will change and you will probably need dose adjustments through out pregnancy.  However you want to start with being close to TSH between 1 and 2 so you may not have to have a large adjustment at a time.  Also it is healthier for the baby, that is what is the most important issues in the first place.

Biological clock is ticking, when now days women are having babies in their 40's, 50's and 60's!  ;)

Good luck  and take care of yourself so your soon to come precious baby has as much healthy chance as possible or it disserves.

GL
GravesDiseaseAndRai

[GravesLady]

OOOPs, that was meant for ScienceMama, not me!  

GL
GravesDiseaseAndRai