Aa
Need some direction please.
I am turning 30 in November and my husband and I would like to start a family soon. I have been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism recently. I am currently on medication (PTU) to control this. Although my endocrinologist said that this is a safe medication in pregnancy, the researches that I have done seem to give mixed reviews. In addition, I understand that OBGYNs and REIs only treat HYPOthyroidism condition (I've been to 2 specialists to consult with my situation). I personally (if I have a choice) do not like to take any meds while pregnant to avoid any possible side effect/harm to the baby. But I also understand that my hyperthyroid will need to be controlled for my sake and future baby. My dilemma is whether or not to PERMANENTLY fix my hyperthyroid issue. Based on my research, doing so could lead to HYPOthyroidism. I am confused because either way, I know I'll be on meds for a very, very long time, if not forever. I guess I need some clarification on which "controlled" condition (being hyperthyroid or hypothyroid) would have the lesser risk on myself and my future baby long term? Ultimately, our goal is to have a HEALTHY baby and start our family.
Want to clarify one point you mentioned.
You said: " Based on my research, doing so could lead to HYPOthyroidism."
That should read..."it WILL lead to HYPOthyroidism".
The goal of perm fixing hyperT is to render you hypo. You will be on replacement for the rest of your life.
Listen...I am a few years past were you are standing now. I have stood in your shoes. I have faced all the things you are facing now (plus a few you will hopefully get to face when you do get pregnate :) / running after your little ones)
My advise....WAIT on fixing the situation perm. Your newly diagnosed...if the meds are keeping you levels within normal limits and you are not having other harmful side effects, let it ride. The docs make it sound like RAI / TT are the ONLY options you have. You can supress it with medication. Some docs vary on how long they like to have people on PTU...mine was 3 years max. The reason was incase it was a transitory thing, and I went into remission spontaniously.
All combined I took PTU for 4 years. I took it through two pregnancies. Through 2 years of breastfeeding.
I have gone through two hyperthyroid pregnancies. I have to two beautiful children with no problems.
It was something else to face and deal with the first time. My TSH was <0.05. It took a long time for me to get the courage to treat myself. I thought I was protecting my baby. What I did do was perm damage my heart. Not to mention make myself miserable with symptoms when I should have been enjoying my son. Second pregnancy I was back on the PTU before the two pink lines dried on the stick.
Most important get your hyperT treated...Do not play:"I'm gunna protect the baby and not take anything"
The potentiual medication side effects to the baby are reversable...the damage untreated hyperT can do to you is NOT.
HyperT can cause infertility. You want to get treated so you improve your chances of conceiving (BTW I was 35 and 40 yrs old with my pregnacies)
Hypert T can cause miscarrage in the first and third trimesters.
Hyper T babies sometimes just stop growing.
Possible PTU side effects for baby...supressed thyroid function and fetus develops a goiter (may require a C-section if large enough, this will reverse itself after deliver).
They will run thyroid tests on the baby at birth then a few weeks later to make sure their thyroid is functioning. They dont test them anymore if those are normal even if you are breastfeeding and still on the PTU (the amount that crosses over in breast milk is mute)
I had mine tested just for peace of mind during nursing and they were always within normal limits.
You can expect to have more ultrasounds then normal with this diagnosis to monitor fetus growth and to watch for goiter.
Peace be the journey
Paja - 2 hyperT pregnacies/w PTU usage during and while breastfeeding - Graves - RAI 6-20008
You said: " Based on my research, doing so could lead to HYPOthyroidism."
That should read..."it WILL lead to HYPOthyroidism".
The goal of perm fixing hyperT is to render you hypo. You will be on replacement for the rest of your life.
Listen...I am a few years past were you are standing now. I have stood in your shoes. I have faced all the things you are facing now (plus a few you will hopefully get to face when you do get pregnate :) / running after your little ones)
My advise....WAIT on fixing the situation perm. Your newly diagnosed...if the meds are keeping you levels within normal limits and you are not having other harmful side effects, let it ride. The docs make it sound like RAI / TT are the ONLY options you have. You can supress it with medication. Some docs vary on how long they like to have people on PTU...mine was 3 years max. The reason was incase it was a transitory thing, and I went into remission spontaniously.
All combined I took PTU for 4 years. I took it through two pregnancies. Through 2 years of breastfeeding.
I have gone through two hyperthyroid pregnancies. I have to two beautiful children with no problems.
It was something else to face and deal with the first time. My TSH was <0.05. It took a long time for me to get the courage to treat myself. I thought I was protecting my baby. What I did do was perm damage my heart. Not to mention make myself miserable with symptoms when I should have been enjoying my son. Second pregnancy I was back on the PTU before the two pink lines dried on the stick.
Most important get your hyperT treated...Do not play:"I'm gunna protect the baby and not take anything"
The potentiual medication side effects to the baby are reversable...the damage untreated hyperT can do to you is NOT.
HyperT can cause infertility. You want to get treated so you improve your chances of conceiving (BTW I was 35 and 40 yrs old with my pregnacies)
Hypert T can cause miscarrage in the first and third trimesters.
Hyper T babies sometimes just stop growing.
Possible PTU side effects for baby...supressed thyroid function and fetus develops a goiter (may require a C-section if large enough, this will reverse itself after deliver).
They will run thyroid tests on the baby at birth then a few weeks later to make sure their thyroid is functioning. They dont test them anymore if those are normal even if you are breastfeeding and still on the PTU (the amount that crosses over in breast milk is mute)
I had mine tested just for peace of mind during nursing and they were always within normal limits.
You can expect to have more ultrasounds then normal with this diagnosis to monitor fetus growth and to watch for goiter.
Peace be the journey
Paja - 2 hyperT pregnacies/w PTU usage during and while breastfeeding - Graves - RAI 6-20008
hi blue,
I have had some success at getting my thyroid hormone levels back to normal while I am on natural bitter herbal medicine. It was specially made for me at the time of my consultation. It was expensive and It did not shrink my nodules so when I stopped taking it my levels went crazy again. There are a lot of quacks out there so if you are interested in going natural find a herbalist/naturepath who is also a doctor. That way they understand all the medicines you take and can fully understand your test results. They can even order new tests. I hope this helps.
I have had some success at getting my thyroid hormone levels back to normal while I am on natural bitter herbal medicine. It was specially made for me at the time of my consultation. It was expensive and It did not shrink my nodules so when I stopped taking it my levels went crazy again. There are a lot of quacks out there so if you are interested in going natural find a herbalist/naturepath who is also a doctor. That way they understand all the medicines you take and can fully understand your test results. They can even order new tests. I hope this helps.
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