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Thyroid (Expert Forum)
Worried about getting pregnant
Answered by
Mark Lupo, M.D. - Thyroid Nodules, Thyroid Cancer, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, Thyroid Ultrasound
Thyroid & Endocrine Center of Florida
Sarasota - FL
Questions in the Thyroid forum are answered by Dr. Mark Lupo. Topics covered include goiter, graves disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, hyperthyroid, hypothyroid, thyroid cancers, thyroiditis, and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).
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Worried about getting pregnant
by rthomas917, Mar 05, 2007 12:00AM
I recently found out that I have Graves. My free t3 is 5.4, free t4 1.68 (normal), with a TSH of .011. My doctor said that he is not going to treat me because I want to get pregnant and that they will monitor me closely. My eyes have already starting showing signs, but my other symtoms are not bad. If I don't go on meds will this hurt the baby? I'm new to all of this and I just don't now what all of it means.
Ronda
Ronda
Doctor's Answer
by Mark Lupo, M.D., Mar 05, 2007 12:00AM
, Mar 05, 2007 12:00AM
Tough questions -- uncontrolled thyroid function can decrease fertility and potentially increase miscarriage rate. The arguably best (although it sounds extreme) treatment is to give I-131 and wait at least six months before trying to conceive -- during this six months after the radioactive iodine the thyroid is tightly regulated with replacement doses of T4 (ie synthroid type med). If you have eye signs, then before and after I-131 you would need prednisone to prevent the eyes from worsening.
The problem with anti-thyroid drugs (like PTU and Tapazole) is that they can cross the placenta and effect the baby. However, if monitored closely, it is usually very safe. So, the alternative is to watch the thyroid closely and if necessary use PTU to keep the T4 and T3 levels in the high-normal range (free T3 is currently a little elevated) before and during pregnancy.
Good Luck.
The problem with anti-thyroid drugs (like PTU and Tapazole) is that they can cross the placenta and effect the baby. However, if monitored closely, it is usually very safe. So, the alternative is to watch the thyroid closely and if necessary use PTU to keep the T4 and T3 levels in the high-normal range (free T3 is currently a little elevated) before and during pregnancy.
Good Luck.
Member Comments (1)
by noyting, Jul 08, 2008 08:30PM
A related discussion, wanna get pregnant was started.
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