1. Community
  2. Diabetes and hormone problems
  3. Hypothyroidism

Pregnant with hypothyroidism

Posted , 6 users are following.

lauren_42595
lauren_42595

I just got blood work done at my first prenatal appt and my TSH level was at 16 so I was immediately prescribed 75 mcg of Synthroid.  My question is.... is that dose high enough? I’m 9 weeks pregnant and weigh about 130 lbs .  I have a friend that’s a dr and she seems to think that’s a tad low.  Any input would be greatly appreciated.  I just want to do the safe/right thing for my baby.  Thank you! 

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • MtViewCatherine
    MtViewCatherine lauren_42595

    Posted

    Hi Lauren, normally thyroud medication is increased slowly because it can really throw things out of whack. 

    75 is a very high start dose and if will take a while for your body to adjust. 

    Most likely, your doc is considering your pregnancy, where hypothyroidism is known to result in miscarriage. They’re likely walking the fine line between prescribing a high enough dose to prevent miscarriage, while not traumatizing your system with too high a dose.

  • mar75090
    mar75090 lauren_42595

    Posted

    You will need 50% more of levo as your pregnancy advances or your baby (and you) can be affected at birth and throughout life. Don't be afraid of the med YOU AND YOUR UNBORN BABY REALLY NEED IT THROUGHOUT your pregnancy. 75mcg is not that high that is just a starting dose. What were your other thyroid test results? Make sure you get your thyroid testing done as often as possible. Pregnancy puts a great strain on your thyroid. Dont take any BIOTIN or B7 2 days before testing. Biotin is used by labs for thyroid function tests and MANY OTHER TESTS. BIOTIN can give false results: suppress TSH and falsely increase T4 T3 etc. and confuse everyone.

  • Clare1971
    Clare1971 lauren_42595

    Posted

    Hi Lauren my advice would be to start on 25mg and gradually go up to 75mg , normally when pregnant your level in medication can double . And the slowly reduced after the birth ... 

    💕

    • jennifer16462
      jennifer16462 Clare1971

      Posted

      No, she shouldn’t start on a low dose when pregnant. Especially if she’s newly diagnosed with a tsh that high. She’s already nearly three months so she needs to get her tsh down from 16 to  as near to 2 as soon as possible. Especially when it will probably be another 4-6 weeks before another possible increase
  • mar75090
    mar75090 lauren_42595

    Posted

    Starting too slow may deprive the unborn baby of necessary thyroid hormones for overall growth. It's already 2 months plus. Your thyroid gland and body are being overworked even without a thyroid disorder.

  • missy12763
    missy12763 lauren_42595

    Posted

    It is a bit low but your doctor may be starting out low and working up to the dose you need. Make sure you get your blood drawn as your doctor tells you.  You will probably get your dosage changed a few times until your tsh level is correct.   

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.