Hyperthyroidism while pregnant, and anxiety.

[babybean]

Hey guys,

My NP wants me back in to discuss my prenatal bloodwork, my appointment is on Friday. My heart sank thinking it was related to my betas so I called back and they said my thyroid looks like it's hyperactive. I don't know what range it's in and if it's just something to keep an eye on or if I have to be put on medication. I'm kind of freaking out 'cause google can be the worst sometimes. Does anyone have experience with this?

My anxiety is also getting worse. I've been having TW nightmares, and now I'm paranoid that the fatigue I've been feeling is related to thyroid issues and not the pregnancy and have a "bad feeling" I can't shake. My dating scan was supposed to be on the 24th, but when I said I think I'll only be 6w1d by then they switched it to August 1 (my birthday). I'll calm down once I see a heartbeat I'm sure. I wish I didn't find out so soon because the waiting game is hellish for me. I know it's out of my hands, so this part is more of a vent.

Tl;dr - Do you have experience with hyperthyroidism while pregnant?

[akwild]

Holy cow! This sounds like a lot to take in. I don't have any experience with hyperthyroidism I just wanted to let you know that I am thinking about you.

[sweetc129]

If you can please let me know what your numbers are. Are they running additional tests to determine if you have any Autoimmune thyroid issues?

I have Graves disease (and Hashimotos but Graves is dominate), which causes autoimmune hyperthyroidism. Now I am controlled because I had a total thyroidectomy 7 years ago. I am monitored very closely during pregnancy. One of the most important things to know is why you are hyperactive. I'm tested for my TSI during pregnancy to make sure my autoimmune disease is not active which could transfer to my fetus. My youngest who is 1 did unfortunately get the thyroid antibodies and now we have to watch her as she grows as she likely will have autoimmune thyroid disease. They can check your baby's thyroid during u/s to see if it's enlarged. There are medications and if it's only slightly hyper you it should be ok because your body naturally tilts towards hypo during pregnancy. That is why you see a number of women go on low dose Synthroid during pregnancy but is fine otherwise.

((HUGS)) it is of course scary to hear something is not in range, especially when pregnant. Step away from google and wait to talk to your doctor. Please keep me posted and I can do the best I can with my experiences.

[clementine]

I have HYPOthyroidism. I was diagnosed about 2 years ago and have been on meds since then, which have def helped. When we were TTC, my RE increased my dose a little because I guess the optimal thyroid levels for TTC are a little different than for general health. Once I found out I was pg, I went for more blood work and they increased my dose again. I will have to get periodic blood draws for the next several months to make sure my levels stay where they need to. RE made it sound like (at least with hypothyroidism) it's not a major issue as long as you/they are keeping an eye on the levels and changing dosage as needed. FX they can stay on top of it and it doesn't become a major source of anxiety for you!

[polson]

i don't have have any experience with this, i'm just sorry you're dealing with it on top of the anxiety. that stinks that they pushed your appointment further out. hopefully you will get some good information and reassurance.

[babybean]

Thanks so much, guys. I feel like an AW. I actually called and switched my appointment back to the 24th today. I know there's a chance we could see a fetal pole and heartbeat, so I'll just reschedule if it ends up being too early afterall.

Years ago I tested slighted out of range for hypothyroidism, but my levels went back on there own. I was surprised hearing I tested out of range for hyper instead this time. I had an intense tachycardia episode on July 1st (my first ever), I got pretty dizzy so had to call an ambulance because I was alone with DS. Idk if that's coincidence or related to the thyroid concern. I'm going to try and stay away from google and just hope we caught all of this early on and there are safe measures I can take for baby and I. Best case is my levels are only slightly elevated and my NP is being precautionary.

sweetc129, you are one strong lady. I appreciate your kindness and concern. I'll find out more on Friday and report back.

[alwayscheese]

((Hugs)) babybean hope it all settles down for you

[polson]

Jul 12, 2017 9:21:50 GMT -6 babybean said:

Thanks so much, guys. I feel like an AW. I actually called and switched my appointment back to the 24th today. I know there's a chance we could see a fetal pole and heartbeat, so I'll just reschedule if it ends up being too early afterall.

Years ago I tested slighted out of range for hypothyroidism, but my levels went back on there own. I was surprised hearing I tested out of range for hyper instead this time. I had an intense tachycardia episode on July 1st (my first ever), I got pretty dizzy so had to call an ambulance because I was alone with DS. Idk if that's coincidence or related to the thyroid concern. I'm going to try and stay away from google and just hope we caught all of this early on and there are safe measures I can take for baby and I. Best case is my levels are only slightly elevated and my NP is being precautionary.

sweetc129, you are one strong lady. I appreciate your kindness and concern. I'll find out more on Friday and report back.

love tit for getting your appointment back to earlier date...you are by no means being an AW!

[sweetc129]

babybean , Let us know how your appointment went.

ETA: Saw your appointment was actually changed to 7/24. Don't mind me.

[babybean]

I had my bloodwork follow up today, you weren't wrong sweetc129, thanks for thinking of me.

Basically the lady who interpreted my results over the phone misunderstood what she was reading. The normal range for a healthy thyroid is up to 4.0, and I tested 4.77 - which means HYPOactive, not hyper. 😑 NP gave me an rx for low dose medication, but I'm opting to wait until the follow up bloodwork to see where things stand. If it gets worse I obviously will start taking the appropriate medication. They also didn't test my hcg levels during my initial draw, I'm kind of pissed 'cause I want to know my doubling time. To top it off they messed up my appointment time so I waited 45 minutes to be seen, ended up getting really dizzy and weak and they had to give me a juice box like I was a toddler lol.

Moral of the story is I'm a worrier and should've waited until I started freaking out. Anxiety wise nothing can be done so I'm just killing time until my ultrasound in 10 days, and hope I get lucky and see an early heartbeat.

[babybean]

Thanks to everyone for being so thoughtful. I'm a tad embarrassed at jumping the gun with worrying so much. I wish us all a happy and healthy 9 months.

[sweetc129]

babybean, Nothing to be embarrassed about. While it is true that .4-4.00 is the general normal range it is different when you are pregnant. The first trimester range my endo gave me is .25-2.5. While 4.77 isn't crazy high it is high and Synthroid (or the generic Levothyroxine) is an extremely safe medication for pregnancy. May I ask why you are waiting to take the medication?

[babybean]

Jul 14, 2017 14:16:35 GMT -6 sweetc129 said:

babybean, Nothing to be embarrassed about. While it is true that .4-4.00 is the general normal range it is different when you are pregnant. The first trimester range my endo gave me is .25-2.5. While 4.77 isn't crazy high it is high and Synthroid (or the generic Levothyroxine) is an extremely safe medication for pregnancy. May I ask why you are waiting to take the medication?

I get nervous taking meds when pregnant, but I know that's irrational. I have the prescription in my purse, I just wanted to read up on it a bit more before heading to the pharmacy. My NP said I could wait for the follow up bloodwork because my levels might even out and I was worked up at the time so was quick to accept that answer. I'll likely go into town tomorrow and will speak with the pharmacist and get it filled.

[cici]

I'm lurking and I'm sorry if I am overstepping but I think that is really bad advice from the NP. I would take it. Anxiety and fatigue are hypo symptoms and you should feel a lot better once you take it. They will monitor you to make sure the dose doesn't need to be changed during pregnancy (which it may). Yes, your thyroid can fluctuate during pregnancy, but I would not just see what happens. The benefits of the med far outweigh anything else. But of course, get a full panel when you can. Best vibes, you got this!

[bethkate]

**lurking from N17**

I agree with others that you should start the meds. Like sweetc129 said, 4.7 isn't super high, but for pregnancy, your TSH should ideally be closer to 2. It's normal for it to fluctuate during pregnancy, but your best bet is probably to start the meds and retest again in 4 weeks or so to see if you need to adjust the dosage. I wouldn't risk it continuing to go up.

[babybean]

Thanks ladies. I got my rx filled and will start tomorrow morning.

[nuggetrn]

Hi. I'm super late to all of this but I am glad you are getting checked out and have the medication. Hopefully that can help a bit with your anxiety while you wait for your appt. I don't think there is anything wrong with moving it earlier and hopefully it can give you some peace of mind! Don't feel at all like you have been an AW! You have perfectly legitimate questions and that is what we are all here for ❤❤