TTC and TSH LEVELS
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Thank you Kirsty for your reply! I guess I’m thinking a few things, 1. Was this a freak high reading (i have no comparison), 2. If T4 is normal will it have much impact on conception and 3. If I were to just fall pregnant, would they immediately medicate that level of TSH anyway. NICE guidelines suggest consulting GP if ttc or in early pregnancy with levels over 2.5 - so I have made GP appointment, but not sure if I’ll just be turned away. Haven’t had an antibodies test, did consider another private test for that but thinking I’ll just wait for the NHS appointment. I should add my Mum also suffers from overt hypothyroidism, although hers didn’t start until late 40s (after all children) - can it be hereditary? I have no physical symptoms of subclinical hypothyroidism that I’ve noticed (I’ve always had dry skin, since childhood, and I have a 2 year old and I work so fatigue is just part of the game 😅).
You will be very lucky to have your antibodies tested on the NHS - they won't test because they won't treat it. Unfortunately, thyroid disease is an absolute nightmare in this country. I would order a private test for that. While TSH does fluctuate, it doesn't fluctuate that much. It's definitely borderline and something that should be addressed especially while you are TTC. I imagine your GP would order an NHS test for TSH anyway, so you will be able to compare the two. Usually when you fall pregnant, your TSH naturally spikes, and for anyone with preexisting thyroid disease, a medication increase of around 25% is advised. Usually you would remain on this for the rest of pregnancy and the first few months PP. The embryo requires your thyroid for the first 15 weeks, which is why you experience a spike. Hypothyroidism is definitely something that is hereditary - another reason to get your antibodies checked so you can see why it may be a problem.
Basing diagnosis off symptoms is difficult, especially for our generation of women - we're all over worked, often struggle to lose weight (because of the crap food we have available) we're all stressed.... Often iron levels are an issue, so ask for that to be checked as well. I would also lie and say you have been trying for a year - they should order an MOT style of blood tests to get an overall picture of your health.
Officially, hypothyroidism is a TSH over 5. I would argue for your age, that is borderline. It COULD be a factor in fertility, however, from personal experience, I have never had an issue getting pregnant with high TSH, but i have issues keeping the pregnancy. There is a lot of NHS research which shows ideally your TSH should be under 2.5 while TTC. I would gather as much as possible to show your GP and request Levothyroxin. Did you have your antibodies tested? This will indicate Hashimotos rather than just hypothyroidism, which is the main cause of hypothyroidism for women under 50.