[Ski]

#1066937

I guarantee you will get a LOT of answers. ” title=”Very Happy” /> Once you are treated and your thyroid hormone levels are normal (and stable), there shouldn’t be any unusual issues surrounding pregnancy that would be related to Graves’ Disease. You should keep a close eye on your thyroid hormone levels throughout the pregnancy, because our reproductive hormones do have the ability to "adjust" our need for thyroid hormone replacement.

Pregnancy while taking ATDs (methimazole or PTU) can be tricky, especially because both are dangerous for the fetus (PTU less so, but it’s more dangerous for the mother, go figure), but still can be managed if it happens.

You will be pleased to hear that children of RAI patients do NOT have any measurable future issues ~ as a matter of fact, they test up a fraction healthier than their counterparts, again, go figure. ” title=”Very Happy” />

Do all your research, but know this: hyperthyroidism is dangerous, and must be treated to return you to health, and to give your children the best possible start in life. Start there. You’re very young, and I’m sure you’ll be successful having children once you’ve gotten this behind you.

[Corinne]

#1018762

Hi,
I was recently diagnosed with Grave’s. In a way it was a relief because I finally found out that there is a reason I have been so exhausted, hot and all around crappy feeling. This website has been really useful, hearing what it is like and what it will be like after future treatments. Even though I am early on in my diagnosis, and haven’t even decided a treatment route to follow, I was curious about how my life would be affected in the future. I’m really wondering about children…I am only 24 and haven’t had kids yet….however my husband and I were hoping to have kids within the next 2 years. Now I am worried this won’t happen (initial ideas from my non-endo dr were that RAI is best treatment). Does anybody know of any good resources concerning pregnancy after RAI? (or have experience with this?)
Thanks!

[LaurelM]

#1066938

Hi,

I was still on ATDs when I became pregant with our 2nd. Mother nature sent her ahead of schedule. While I had an uneventful pregnancy (I even went into remission), I would have been more comfortable with having completed a more permanent treatment (RAI or surgery) rather than having to take an ATD and worrying about the risks and the uncertainties of my thyroid levels. Pregnancy is stressful enough without all that baggage but our now 3 year old is happy and healthy and I am still in remission.

My friend had thyroid cancer in her mid-twenties (about 8 years ago) and had both surgical removal and a much higher dose of RAI than Grave’s patients receive. She has a beautiful and healthy two-week old little boy. She did have her replacement dose adjusted a couple of times in her pregnancy and I know they will be monitoring her post-partum and thyroid needs often change during this time.

Whatever you decide for treatment, it is very probable you will have a healthy pregnancy if your levels are well controlled.

Best wishes,
Laurel

[mamabear]

#1066939

i dont have much time but will post more later.

I chose PTU(pills) over RAI. I was lucky and it worked very fast and with the help of dr’s I was able to get pregnant and during pregnancy was taken off of PTU due to levels being normal. was watched closely and was fine.

again this was a very lucky and rare thing.

do your research well and then think about it with your dh and then lay in bed or in the tub and just relax. Listen to nothing…just the sounds of what are going on around you with no music or anything. Sit there and think about everything and what YOU want to do, your gut will tell you. Even if you are scared to do it, your gut doesn’t lie.

It’s good you have found out and have time to do things and plan.

[Corinne]

#1066940

Thank you guys for responding!
I suppose when I posted this I had just found out I had Grave’s. Now after reading more and hearing from people I can see that I should be fine! It was just a bummer because on my wedding day my husband and I had decided that we were ok with never having kids….then suddenly we decided we wanted to, and soon. It was really exciting, you know?! I actually initially thought I was pregnant because of the cycle issues, tiredness, being hot…it really does somewhat mimic pregnancy! Then to find this out shortly later it was disappointing. But hopefully I can get this done and over with soon so I can go ahead and be excited again!

[Bobbi]

#1066941

You are absolutely right, Corinne. Good luck, and keep us informed of how you are doing.

[Author]

Posts