Thyroid Disorders and Pregnancy

[JPW0715]

I had half of my thyroid removed on 12/13 due to a follicular neoplasm that turned out to be benign.  I am wanting to get pregnant soon, and I was wondering how long it takes for the other half of my thyroid to take over.  My OBGYN and surgeon say I can start trying immediately, but I have read so many stories about thyroid problems and birth defects that it makes me very very nervous.  Can anyone offer any experience with this??

[ifupleze]

I have no idea, but just wanted you to know, someone is at least reading your post.  I would search the interned for thyroid disease and pregnancy.   There is a lot of information and I am sure there is some positive input.  You can also ask Dr. Lupo on the left hand side of the forum page.  Good luck.

[Kat175]

Hi!

I am surprised as I haven't heard any stories about thyroid problems and birth defects persay, but I do know that uncontrolled variations in thyroid hormones can make a pregnancy very difficult.  The good news is that the baby is more dependent on your thyroid early on and this is when you are least likely to have fluctuations.  I am living proof as I have had three successful pregnancies in 4 1/2 years with my levels all over.  I finally have a good doctor that is checking every 4 weeks (and if I feel unusually fatigued).  I actually have cancer and am pregnant currently and the baby is fine.  BEST of luck!

[Avee3]

     I don't have an expert opinion here but I just wanted to share my info.  I had half of my thyroid removed in November for a follicular mass (benign) as well.  My TSH was tested at 4 weeks and 5 weeks, and it was "slightly" high.  This suggests that I'm a little hypo and my doc is recommending thyroid medication.  I'm conflicted if I should take it or not but my husband and I are also looking to get pregnant.  I posted a question here for the "experts" and I waiting to see if I should ask for retesting or just start meds.  My gut it start the meds since we are trying to conceive.  I don't know when the other side starts taking over, or how long it takes for the thyroid to stabilize after surgery.  These are some of my questions.  My only advice would be to get your TSH tested often.  My TSH was completely normal prior to surgery and we expected that it would remain normal but so far the tests show that it's a little off.    

[JPW0715]

It sounds like we are in the same exact situation.  I have not gotten my levels checked yet, but they were also very normal before my surgery, so I guess we will see.  I just want everything right should I become pregnant.  Both of my doctors seem not too concerned though, and I feel like they would tell me if we should not start trying.  I also have to take Clomid because I have never ovulated on my own.  My first two children were born with clomid.  I do know however that Synthroid is 100% safe for pregnancy if that is what they put you on.  I would probably lean toward taking it because I do not think you want to be hypo and pregnant, but I am not sure.

[JPW0715]

hi, you answered a question a while back on thyroid disorders and pregnancy.  Did you ever get on the thyroid  meds.. my tsh came back high at 5 weeks post op, and my doctor wants to put me on meds.  i wonder how long it will take to get to normal so we can start trying to conceive.  he also wants to start me on .112 which sounds high to me considering i am not overweight and still have normal levels except for tsh. thanks so much!