Antithyroglobulin and Pregnancy

[kwcann34]

I have been trying to conceive for a couple of years and have done several IUI and 3 IVF cycles. After my 2nd IVF cycle I M/C very early and so my RE suggested we do some more extensive B/W. When the results came back my (TPO) Ab was 49 out of a range from 0 - 34 and my Antithyroglobulin Ab was 521 out of a range from 0 - 40. He then ordered another test to check my Thyroid and said that it was fine. I never researched any of this because he said that it was no problem and he would just need to put me on a steriod during my next IVF cycle. Well, I just finished my 3rd cycle and it was BFN and when I went in to consult with him he suggested that I go see a Med. Endo. about the thyroglobulin. I of course decided to do a search on this and now I'm not sure what to make of any of it. Should I be concerned about my levels? Should I repeat the test? (I didn't fast the first time, and I had just finished the IVF cycle in which I take a lot of different hormones) Any input would be appreciated. I have myself worked up over this now as well as my fertility issues.

[kwcann34]

Hi, thanks for your response. Any input is always appreciated and of course I will continue researching and learning all that I can about this disease and the effect it can have on fertility. Have a great day!

[kitty9309]

Hi. It is great that you have a diagnosis!

The antibodies will likely remain positive. They sometimes lower with treatment. I think if the TSH is low enough, then the antibodies won't cause more trouble. Their job is to attack the thyroid and reduce it's ability to produce thyroid hormone. Now that you are starting to get the correct amount of hormone from the meds, you are negating that effect.

Most doctors say that thyroid antibodies themselves cause no symptoms. I have nothing to back that up, though.

Good luck with your IVF!

[kwcann34]

I finally saw a new rep. endo. and he started me on 25 mg synthroid and sent me to the med. endo. who did and U/S and confirmed that I have Hashimoto's. He raised the dose to 50 mg and wants to recheck blood in 6 weeks. My TSH was 2.5 in June so he wants to lower that to about .5 - 1.0. Should I have any concern about the antibodies that were still 358, because no one seems to be concerned about them like the first rep. endo. that treated me with steriods during my 3rd IVF. I want to make sure that I cross all of my T's and dot all of my I's before we go any furthur with the fertility treatments.

[kitty9309]

Good luck with the endo. You would think the RE would know more about thyroid and pregnancy than the regular Endo, huh?

[kwcann34]

Thanks for your response I will definately ask about the TSH and t3, t4 levels.

I would hope that my RE would have told me before if he thought that there was a concern (since my test was in January) I was never really told anything about these antibodies so when I did a search on them and read what it said I was a little surprised.

Thanks for your help and I will definately go to the Endo.

[kitty9309]

I would first find out what the TSH and free t4 levels were that your doctor said were fine.
If the TSH is over 2.5 should raise suspicion of hypothyroidism, especially with the positive thyroid antibodies.

Fasting or other hormones will not effect the thyroid antibody results.

Since you do take hormoes for the IVF, make sure to get a free t3 and free t3 level as these are not effected by hormones.

Thyroid disease can cause fertility problems, so you are on the right track.

I would definately see the Endo.