I got a call yesterday afternoon from Dr. D. with my blood test results.
Prolactin and estradiol are normal, indicating that my ovaries are working. (That’s good news!)
FSH and thyroxine were not mentioned specifically, but “everything is normal”.
My hCG levels are 1. (That’s bittersweet!)
But my TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) are borderline, showing my thyroid might be “stimulated”. I felt a bit bombarded with information so didn’t think to ask what the actual numbers are. Hopefully someone will return my call today to let me know. (Hopefully, because it’s the last business day before a holiday weekend.)
Update (same day): the nurse just called me back to say that my 3T4 levels are normal, but my TSH is 4.60. (She said the upper limit of a normal TSH range is 4.20.) So this might indicate hypothyroidism — which is weird, because I am tall and fairly skinny. I mean, I have fat and curves, but you can see my ribcage. Maybe it explains why I feel like I never get enough sleep. Maybe it’s stress-induced. Maybe somewhere I have baseline data in my medical records…
Meanwhile, I’m sitting here wondering if I have hypothyroidism and, if so, did that cause my miscarriage? Turns out that the thyroid is important in pregnancy. Ugh, is this why my Bean stopped growing? :(
I have to have a repeat blood test in a few weeks’ time to compare TSH levels; and I’ve also scheduled a full physical exam to make sure that I’m in shape I can be before trying to conceive again.
I’m a bit sad to be blindly wondering if my thyroid caused my miscarriage. I’m slightly worried I have Hashimoto’s Disease or some other form of hypothyroidism. And I’m also thinking that Aunt Flo not returning might be a blessing in disguise — because if there is a problem with my thyroid, better that I know that now, before we start TTC again. Whatever this thyroid thing is, I’m hoping it’s either nothing or that it can be nipped in the bud.
Hi Lauren,
I am sorry for the loss of your unborn baby.
Thank you very much for including a link to my blog Hypothyroid Mom here in this great article. I am sorry all that you are going through. Your TSH at 4.6 may be within the “normal” reference range however not for pregnancy. According to The American Thyroid Association guidelines for pregnancy issued in 2011 a TSH less than 2.5 is recommended for the first trimester of pregnancy and for women trying to conceive. Your high TSH may have played a role in your miscarriage and should be considered prior to trying to conceive.
Hypothyroidism can result in infertility and pregnancy complications including miscarriage but unfortunately there is very little awareness. Bring a copy of the American Thyroid Association guidelines to your doctor to discuss.
■ RECOMMENDATION 2
If trimester-specific reference ranges for TSH are not available in the laboratory, the following reference ranges are recommended: first trimester, 0.1–2.5 mIU/L; second trimester, 0.2–3.0 mIU/L; third trimester, 0.3–3.0 mIU/L.
It’s also important to test for thyroid antibodies TPO-Ab.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3472679/
If hypothyroidism is playing a role in your condition, there is hope to have beautiful healthy babies despite it. It’s about being sure you are as thyroid healthy as possible prior to conceiving. Best of luck to you.
Hi Dana,
I am really touched that you would take the time to write this informative comment. I deeply appreciate your thoughts and wisdom, and thank you for giving me an outline for me to begin my own research. I already came across the research article you link to but it was a little technical so I put off attempting to read it. You’ve encouraged me to try to make sense of it, and your helpful comment was helpful because it’s given me a context in which to understand it better. A simple “thank you” doesn’t seem enough, but thank you!!
Lauren x
For anyone else reading this, Dana’s blog, Hypothyroid Mom, is a terrific resource for trying to understand the impact your thyroid has on your pregnancy and overall health.
Don’t panic too much. I am in a similar position with TSH that seems to move between slightly high to not quite high. They normally will measure anti thyroid antibodies to check for hashimoto’s I believe… this is a condition I am predisposed to because of an underlying medical condition. If your doctor has concerns I think they can just put you on levithroxine (sp?) which is synthetic thyroid. hugs. feel better!
Thanks for this, Egg. Strangely, I have no hypothyroid symptoms (maybe a little fatigue?) — if anything you’d think I were hyperthyroidic. I am glad to learn it’s not a big deal, I guess I’m just impatient… Hugs to you too x
The good news about thyroid issues is that typically, they can be controlled. So, even if this was the cause of your loss, take comfort in the fact that you found it when you did! It just improves your chances of carrying to term next time you get pregnant. Hugs though… I know the guilt associated with your body possibly being responsible for a loss- I have an autoimmune condition that is the likely culprit in all of my losses- it’s a tough thing to wrap your head around.
Thank you, Catwoman! I feel better. I’m just impatient to get it all ironed out, you know? Trying to be kind to my body and wrap my head around what the hell is going on… Thanks for the encouragement xo
Boy i sure hope you’re getting the answers you’re looking for! Glad your ovaries are working! Yay for that!!! Good Luck with everything else!
-Jenn, from ICLW
Thanks, Jenn! You too!
I have found your blog through this months’ ICLW. I am so sorry to read about your missed miscarriage. It is so hard to pick yourself up and carry on, particularly when there are still questions about why it happened. Miscarriage is such a roller coaster of grief, despair and longing that it is hard to see if you will every get off. I loved your post about having a good day and it reminded me so much of myself. I often feel like taking an ad out on the telly on the days I realise the grief has lifted slightly.
I hope you find the answers you are searching for and, if you do have a problem with your thyroid, that for your next pregnancy your thyroid can be dealt with.
I wish you the very best luck in the world.
Oh, Ana, I’m sorry you know this roller coaster rider too. I’m looking forward to getting to know you more through your lovely blog. Thanks for your wishes. x
Oh man how nerve wracking! I hope that you get some good information today and don’t have to ride the nagging questions train all weekend. Well, I guess I know there will be nagging questions, but I hope that at least this part of it can be put to rest.
Much love to you, L. Ping me whenever you need someone to be in the “crazy” with you. ;)
You are a rock, and you are a star. Guess that makes you a rock star! Xo