[smj78]

#1058769

Hi- I am almost 12 weeks pregnant and have already seen my endocronologist 3 times, along with my OB.

I saw the endo when I first found out I was pregnant- so about 3.5 weeks. My levels were fine, I think my TSH was .9, I was taking 125 mci of levoxyl. She upped me to 150 anyway, thinking that my TSH would increase.

Then I saw her again at 7 weeks pregnant and my TSH was .698, FT4 at 1.42, so I was still in nomal range.

Well, I just had blood work yesterdat at 11.5 weeks. I do not see the doctor until Monday, but the nurse just told me I am slightly in hyper range, but nothing to be worried about. The Dr. will keep me at the same level of medication.

So, of course I am still worried. Everything I read indicated that the pregnancy would effect TSH and that there would be a need for increased medication, even by 50%. Why would I still have such a low TSH? Should I be worried why my levels have not increased? Does this indicate anything about the baby’s growth?

[Kimberly]

#1169876

Hello – Keep in mind that TSH works in the *opposite* direction that our actual thyroid hormone levels (T3/T4) do.

*Increasing* a dose of replacement hormone will cause T3/T4 to *increase*, which will cause TSH to *decrease*.

The American Thyroid Association actually released some guidance this year on Thyroid issues and pregnancy. There are actually specific recommended TSH ranges by trimester, which can be lower than the reference range for individuals who are not pregnant. If you can send us your e-mail at info@ngdf.org, we can get you a PDF copy of the guidance.

In the meantime, I would definitely get a hard copy of your latest labs, so you can see for yourself what the nurse meant by "slightly hyper". We’re not doctors here, just fellow patients, but if you are indeed outside the normal range, I would ask as to why your dose of replacement hormone isn’t being adjusted.

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