Thyroid Concerns - Edited w/ another question

I am in desperate need of advice.

My most recent TSH level was 4.1. According to my OB, it is borderline high. I saw an endocrinologist today as a precaution, and when he heard my level, he was immediately alarmed and said during pregnancy, my level should be around 2.5. He immediately decided he was going to put me on synthroid (without even doing any blood work today). Now I am so confused. I obviously need another opinion and will see another endocrinologist since my OB and endo have very different opinions. Girls who have issues with their thyroid, I have a few questions....

1 - If you are on synthroid, what is your condition that put you it?

2- Is it really safe to take during pregnancy?

3 - Does my level of TSH, 4.1, seem high to you?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Message edited 10/8/2008 6:07:35 AM.

Re: Thyroid Concerns

I've been on syntrhoid for years due to hypothyroidism and have had to have my dosage increased during pregancy to keep my levels safe for

I have my levels checked via bloodwork by my endo every 4 weeks to make sure the dosage is still good.

I'm not sure what the appropriate levels are, I've used my endo for so long I totally trust her.

Synthroid is perfectly safe during pregnancy so no worries. it simulates a hormone normally produced by the body and is needed for the baby.

A second opinion is not a bad idea though, but I'm sure you'll be fine. Good luck.

Re: Thyroid Concerns

1 - I found out i was Hypothyroid just before getting preg.. dunno what caused it.. just am apparently. They did double check my levels to make sure it wasnt a lab screw up cause I am thin.

2- Yes it is safe during pregnancy, and important. My endo is very strict about being tested every 4 weeks, you can develop hypothyroidism during pregnancy... does not mean you will be hypothyroid afterwards if you were not before.

3 - my doc wants me at about TSH level of 1sih

I currently take 75 (mg's i think) everytime i have been tested it has gone up and have had to increase my dose.

My endo has stressed it is important to be on Synthroid and have it regulated and watched frequently during pregnancy... and my OB asks about it each visit.

dont worry, they will probably start you on the lowest dose then keep testing you about once a month and regulate your dose as needed.

Re: Thyroid Concerns

My situation is a bit different than yours, as I'm on synthroid because I had thyroid cancer and a total thyroidectomy....but to answer your questions....
Synthroid is pefectly safe to take during pregnancy - but your endo will monitor your TSH every 6-8 weeks to make sure your body is getting the right anount it needs. It may take months for that to happen.
Your 4.1 TSH doesn't seem "too high", but definitely higher than a lot of endos would like.

Re: Thyroid Concerns

I've had hypothyroidism since I was 18.

A TSH level of 4.1 is a little bit high, though some doctors would say it's normal because the "range of normal" goes from 0.5 to 5.0. However, for the purposes of sustaining a pregnancy, most endos will want to see your TSH below 2.0.

When I first started TTC, my TSH was 8.9. I had to wait to get that under control before we started Clomid. Once I found out I was pregnant, I've had to have my thyroid levels monitored once per month, and have had to have my dosage changed 3 times.

Synthroid is a Category B drug, completely and perfectly safe in pregnancy. I wouldn't worry about it.

Re: Thyroid Concerns

1 - If you are on synthroid, what is your condition that put you it? I was put on synthroid when I was 16 week pregnant.

2- Is it really safe to take during pregnancy? Yes, I talked to MANY dr's because I was very "crunchy" throughout the pregnancy. It is safer to be on it, then not to be on it. Your thyroid levels if not regulated can actually be harmful to the baby.

3 - Does my level of TSH, 4.1, seem high to you? Yes, during pregnancy they want you to be closer to 1. After pregnancy from my research you can be around 2.5 according to the new values.

I started off at 16 weeks on 75, than by the end of the pregnancy I was actually up to 125. It was amazing how much more energy I had 2 days after taking synthroid and felt overall sooo much better.

Any questions FM me. I was so scared to go on synthroid at first and cried for days over the decision because I was so against taking any medication. But I realized how necessary it was.

Re: Thyroid Concerns

I am on synthroid and have been for a few years due to hypothroidism (actually I take the generic levothyroxine) Started at 25mcg and am now on 125 mcg...It is absolutely safe to take during pregnancy and is very important to have your thyroid checked during pregnancy as well because from what I've been told, pregnancy can affect your thyroid and the dosage may need to be adjusted...I don't rememeber my specific #'s though but if the doc is saying its off, it probably is ...I would have thought that maybe he would have wanted to run another blood test, unless maybe he felt the last one was recent enough...

Re: Thyroid Concerns

Thanks for all your input girls :)

Now, can anyone recommend a good endocrinologist? I really need another opinion - and fast!

THANKS!

Re: Thyroid Concerns - Edited w/ another question

Re: Thyroid Concerns - Edited w/ another question

Re: Thyroid Concerns - Edited w/ another question

I have never been seen by an endocrinoligist, just my genereal practitioner so I'm sorry- I'm no help

Re: Thyroid Concerns - Edited w/ another question

I have been on synthroid for about 10 years for a hypothyroid (slow) -

OB was adamant that I have my levels checked at least every 2-3 months b/c during pregnancy you sometimes need a higher does of synthroid ......

Re: Thyroid Concerns - Edited w/ another question

Re: Thyroid Concerns - Edited w/ another question

1 - If you are on synthroid, what is your condition that put you it?
*I had Graves Disease (overactive thyroid) and had my thryoid removed in January. Unfortunetly the meds for Graves are not safe during pregnancy and its healthier for me to have no thyroid and take synthryoid rather than be hyper.

2- Is it really safe to take during pregnancy? yes, so far so good.

3 - Does my level of TSH, 4.1, seem high to you? My levels are always off, so I'm not sure. I get my blood taken every month. My dosage has been up'd 5x (scary!!!)

I wouldn't be too concerned. As somebody who's dealt with Graves Disease since 18, I've realized many people have thryoid conditions. In the beginning I was a nervous wreck, but now, no bothers

Message edited 10/8/2008 9:37:45 AM.

Re: Thyroid Concerns - Edited w/ another question

I also had my thyroid removed due to cancer and have been on synthroid for almost 10 years.

since the day I found out I was PG my endo took blood and increase the Synthroid. I've been going to him for blood work and monitoring every 2 months. I know they like to keep the levels on the high side because if it drops too low you can miscarry. I've been feeling fine.

I have an awesome endo but he's in Queens (Fresh Meadows area). If you want his number, FM me.

Message edited 10/8/2008 10:16:08 AM.

Re: Thyroid Concerns - Edited w/ another question

I have one in garden city, if you want his info fm me!