TOPIC:

Hi,

Still trying to conceive since we started trying in June and recently tested my hormone level - TSH count was 5, TSH 3/ TSH 4 were tested normal. The endocrinologist advised that my present TSH count does not affect fertility, although I seen in this forum/ posts somewhere that most endocrinologist believe that TSH level has to fall at the lower range of "normal" level 1-2 to enhance fertility/ in order to conceive. The endocrinologist suggested to prescribe hormone pills to bring my level down to facilate body function better. I hate these medications. They always disrupt body system and gives all sorts of side effects and awful symptoms. ITP has given me so much problems and I am never ready to introduce another drug into my system.

My family doctor on the other hand advised that TSH level may be affected by chronic disease, steriods, fever and the level differs for everyone according to individual needs.


I am quite confuse here if it is not necessary, and avoidable by all means I would refuse it but if there is no/very little chance of conception then I may have to reconsider my stand. So, my question here is, has anyone noticed their TSH level at time of conception and if anyone managed to conceive with high end of 'normal' tsh level?

What measures were taken to bring the level down - if its necessary, and was it successful?
Was it short - long term needed throughout pregnancy?


Thanks vm

Rgds
Steph

Steph:

Have you been tested for thyroid antibodies? I would think that should be done to rule out Hashimoto's which could possibly affect fertility.

Sandi,

We found out about the TSH level after going through a list of test the gynae wanted to check and then I was referred to the endocrinologist who asked to repeat my tsh test, which I have not seen the results yet.

From my present set of test results the endocrinologist commented that there is no issue with conception despite being on the high end of the normal TSH range, because my TSH3 and TSH4 are normal so he did not suspect any infertility issues (but may want to consider giving me hormone pill to bring the level lower for better body function / pregnancy support in the future). I didnt ask(do not know) if thyroid antibodies have been tested?

I am expect to see the endocrinologist soon but just want to do some homework first, be prepared and know my position well.

Rgds
Steph

Here are some articles about it:

www.thyroidscience.com/editorials/editorials/lowe.euthyroid.abs.3.8.2010.htm

www.millenova.com/tests/ata.cfm

thyroid.about.com/library/weekly/aa050199.htm

My daughter has Graves Disease, so I've done a lot of research. I know that there can be a link between antithyroid antibodies and pregnancy, regardless of TSH, T3 and T4 results. For peace of mind, I'd ask to have them tested. Too many Endo's are clueless about it.

Thanks sandi. For some reason, I feel I am not 'thoroughly' checked, or probably because the fact that I have ITP and history of endometriosis, I have the tendency to feel worried about other auto-immune problem which might be going on within the body unknown to me, and thus affecting other abilities or proper function.

my last full blood test asked by the gynae were all fine except a repeated TSH was asked by the endo. I have also taken up some notes from this forum to go for more test for a peace of mind as you said, and they are;

1. Natural killer cell
2. Progesterone level
3. Thyroid antibodies

In your opinion/experience did I miss out anything?

Thanks.

Rgds
Steph

Not that I'm aware of Steph, but I am not familiar with infertility issues. I think that is a very good start!

Good luck and please let me know how it goes!

Sandi,

I have received the results of my repeated test:

anti thyroid globulin, ft3, ft4, thyroid globulin are all in the normal range, except my TSH 4.56 which is a little bit higher than normal (0.27-4.20)

I see that thyroid antibody has not been tested; I read up in some article (maybe from the link you sent or another I dont recall) that thyroid antibodies will attack the thyroid globulin if found positive, but I am not too familiar with it either. I will see what the endo have to say

Rgds
Steph

The anti-thyroid globulin is an antibody test. But there are three of them:

Thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb); Thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb); Thyroid stimulating hormone receptor antibody (TRAb)

Sandi,

Its a bit too early to break the news, but it has been 2 weeks since I missed my period due date and a HCG test picked up positive, so I guess I am about 6 weeks pregnant now?!!! I am so excited but at the same time totally displeased wth the result of yesterday blood test!!

My tsh has now went up to 6,96. My ususal range falls btwn 4,5-5,5 and considering how it may affect the growth of the baby, it may now seems inevitable to refuse hormone treatments.

My platelet count stands at 5. This is terrible too. Since I started macrobiotic diet in February as another resort to treat ITP, my counts remains to appear the in the same range as it was before the new diet was introduced. Since it is mainly based on whole grains, my weight has went down from a healthy 55kg (I am 5"4)to 48,5kg so this is another concern too!

I will schedule to see my gynae tomorrow to discuss the necessary.

It will be nice to hear of any comments/experiences.

Congratulations! Sorry you are having so many issues - good luck with all of that. Get yourself a good high-risk OB!