Hypothyroidism - La Grange Park,IL

I had it through both my pregnancies and had no problems. The doctors should monitor it and adjust medication if necessary. Otherwise, it's no big deal.

Hi B.,

I also was just recently diagnosed with hypthyroidism, and was also concerned because we've been trying to get pregnant. The doctor, however, assured me that a nice side effect of the synthroid (sp?) was that it can help get your levels to a point where you can have an easier time getting pregnant (low thyroid levels apparently can affect your chances of getting pregnant), and help prevent miscarriages (we've already lost one, and I had a difficult pregnancy with my now 18-month old).

Sure enough, after a month on the synthyroid, we've just discovered that we are pregnant!! The only change that happened in the past 6 months of trying was the addition of the synthyroid. Now, I can't guarantee that all couples will get preggers after one month on the synthyroid, but in our case, it was that little extra boost that what was needed.

Naturally, my husband and I are still nervous. Being newly pregnant again, and being on the synthyroid, (and with the previous complications), we are nervous, but perhaps more hopeful for an easier pregnancy this time around.

As some of the other ladies mentioned, you will need to be monitored more closely during pregnancy on synthyroid, but you should be just fine once you do get pregnant again. A friend of mine has been on synthyroid since she was 19 (we're both in our 30's now). She has had two healthy pregnancies, and two healthy little boys (she also nursed both of them while on synthyroid, and there's been no problem).

So fear not. Just follow your doctor's instructions while on the synthyroid and don't be afraid to ask questions! I wish you the best of luck!!

K.

As long as you get your medicine levels straight, you should have no problem. Untreated, it can lead to problems with fertility and pregnancy, I think, so it's good that you're getting treated. It sometimes takes months to get just the right levels, so it's better not to try to get pregnant yet. You might not want kids so close in age, anyway! And you'll want to keep an eye on your levels for a while after a second birth as well. My kids are 9 and 6 and I've been on medicine since before they were born. My levels haven't changed since the younger son was 1 or 2, so it does settle down eventually. Good luck.

Expect to get blood tests to assess your thyroid. Taking medication is a good thing to balance your metabolism. Without the medication, you may be very tired, want to sleep even more (many more symptoms are available if you look this up on the internet). There are people with the opposite condition - hyperthyroid (overactive thyroid) that get the thyroid zapped by radiation to disable it and take the thyroid replenishment drugs for life - and are able to have successful pregnancies. You have my sympathy as I have a thyroid that isn't always in balance.

There are no worries with taking hypothyroid meds...I found out I was severely hypothyroid a year before I became pregnant with my first. The med is actually important to keep YOU healthy so you can deliver a healthy baby. You may need to go in for more frequent bloodwork to make sure your levels are regulated (which is VERY important) and you'll need to monitor how you are feeling throughout the pregnancy for any signs that you are going hyper or hypo. Bottom line: take your meds and have open discussions with your doc on how you are feeling. Take care & good luck, H.

Hi,

As others have stated, this apparently is very common. I too went hypothyroid during my 3rd pregnancy. Just get your bloodwork done regularly and follow your doctor's instructions on dosage to take. You may fluctuate during and after pregnancy, but eventually things should even out. Our pediatrician advised me that synthroid is the same hormone that your body should be making but isn't, so there aren't the typical concerns about whether a certain medicine is OK to take while pregnant. Good luck!

Natural Herb problem can help. And most prayer and faith.

My sister has been on synthroid for about 20 years and has had two healthy children who are now in 5th and 7th grades. It never seemed to change anything about her life. Hope that helps!

I also have had issues with hypothyroidism, mainly brought on by pregnancy. You can have a totally healthy pregnancy as long as your hypothyroidism is managed before and during pregnancy. Find a good endocrinologist and let them know when you are planning to get pregnant and they should have advice for you and let you know how often they want to see you.
K.

I'm hypothyroid and hashimoto's

a great site is : http://thyroid.about.com/

there is impt info on fertility & pregnancy being affected by hypothyroidism (as well as vice versa).

here's the section on pregnancy, fertility and breast feeding

http://thyroid.about.com/od/thyroidbasicsthyroid101/u/cop...

I too have hypothyroidism. The Dr. I saw said it's very common that after a pregnancy it can occur. Great, huh?

Ok, so I have a 17mo old and am 18wks pregnant. It took us 4mo of trying. I saw my Family Dr. before I started trying and our plan was keep taking the prescribed meds and 'try'. As soon as I got pregnant I went to re-do my blood work and then she upped my dosage a little. Your Family Dr will monitor the bloodwork and meds. When I do tests at the OB's they share it with my Family Dr. and if I need to have my meds adjusted she will. But stay proactive and ask questions to both your Family Dr. and your OB. Make it clear for yourself how you need to stay on this and who's in charge of doing what.

My Dr.'s situation may not work for you.(They are right next door to eachother and have that relationship I guess).

Let me know if you have anymore questions. I could keep updating you with what happens with me if you want?

Take care of you!

Hi B.,
i was diagnosed last year with hypothyroidism. My doctor had me on 2 different meds. I was taking atenolol-25mg.and methimazole-10mg. The doc just couldnt get my hormone levels right so i was sent to a specialist. Im only taking the methimazole-7 1/2mgs. I just had my second ultrasound to check my nodules. I have not heard back from the doctor yet so im a little on edge. If one of the nodules is bgger than i centimeter i have to have a biopsy. If you are on methimazole, talk to your doctor. My specialist said a prolonged use of this drug can cause liver damage and may lead to cancer! This is a long process and hopefully one with a happy ending. There are different kinds of hypothyroidism, mine is called graves disease. Please talk to your doctor and ask for more info. My prayers are with you. Good luck and god speed.
Sincerley,
B.

I was diagnosed with thyroid disease after my first one. It happens in a small percentage of women (post-partum thyroiditis). For the first few months after the first delivery, the thyroid is overactive and your levels have to be monitored. After a few months, the hormone levels start falling and if they are below normal levels, then you have to take medication to keep the levels normal. This is what happened to me.

It is safe to take thyroid medicine (e.g. Synthroid) while being pregnant for hypothyroidism. But your levels have to be monitored very closely during your pregnancy and sometimes the dosage has to be increased. Low levels can be harmful to the baby so you want to keep a close eye on it. In my case, I had monthly to 6 week blood tests. And my dosage did have to be increased slightly. After the birth of my second one, I eventually came down to my original levels and dosage of Synthroid.

I suggest you read up on it and google hypothyroidism during pregnancy. I personally had no problems with my second pregnancy and my second one is absolutely fine if not a little too smart for his own good!

Do you have an endocrinologist to monitor your thyroid? It might be a good idea to find one. Before I had my second one, I did meet with mine and discuss all the issues and questions I had regarding the disease while being pregnant.

Hyperthyroidism is something quite different in which case you have to take anti-thyroid medicine to keep an overactive thyroid gland under control. This medicine is dangerous during pregnancy as it can affect the baby's thyroid. Good Luck!

Hi B. - Hypothyroidism is extremely common - you probably know people who have it! It is easily managed with synthroid/levothyroxine which is the same hormone your body normally produces but is deficient in when your thyroid is underactive. It is perfectly safe to take in pregnancy (in fact, it is recommended if you are hypothyroid because it helps your body's metabolism work more normally so you will have a healthier pregnancy). The fetus is exposed to nothing more than what your body normally produces (a hormone). What the others said about checking your hormone levels (TSH & free T4) more often during pregnancy is true, as well as finding the right level of synthroid, which may need to be adjusted during pregnancy. Do not worry...you are not alone, this is a common condition and can have a very normal and healthy pregnancy if it's managed well. Good luck!

Hi, B..
I think you've gotten some great advice! The one thing I would add (if it's been said already, I apologize) is that I would recommend seeing an endochrinologist and keep seeing him/her throughout your pregnancy. Sometimes they test for more than just TSH.

If you are on medication you should be just fine. The medication is just replacing what your body is not producing. I was told I have hypothyroidism when I went in for blood work when pregnant with my daughter. I believe I was only 6 weeks along when they did the blood work. It's possible that the pregnancy brought it on or that I already had it, but not only did I get pregnant really easily I was still breastfeeding my son. Obviously, I had to be medicated right away, for fear of miscarriage and monitored throughout my pregnancy. I just recently had my medication changed, now that my hormones have calmed down. So you have to stay on top of it. Hope this helps. I should tell you, you have to take the medication on an empty stomach in the morning. This made morning sickness especially challenging for me!

Hi B.,

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism 12 years ago. It took about 6 months to figure out the best dose of medication for me and since then I never had any problems. I have 2 healthy kids. Usually I have my blood checked once a year now, during pregnancy we did it more often to be sure. I think its important you figure out the correct dose before you get pregnant though. Hope I could help.

S

hi i have hypothyroidism and had it when i was pregnant with my two daughters. it is not an issue at all with pregnancy. you will be monitored throughout the preg. and most likely have to change doses while you're pregnant because hormone levels will change may cause you to require a different dosage. as long as you stay on your meds and take your vitamin separately from your synthyroid meds your fine. (synthyroid can block the absorption of some vital nutrients for a healthy pregnancy from your vitamin. so, i took my prenatals/daily vitamin at night to avoid any issue.) good luck! if you have any questions feel free to send me a message.

My sister has had hypothyroidism since she was 8 years old. She's 27 now, and is 20 weeks pregnant with her first baby. Just had her ultrasound and everything is absolutely normal.