Hypothyroidism - Merrillville,IN

At 10 wks with my second baby, my levels came back showing hypothyroidism so I was put on a low dose of synthroid. I had no symptoms of a problem, but had side effects from the synthroid. The doc tried adjusting the levels, but when I had heart palpitations, I freaked! He wanted to give me beta blockers (more meds). He told me that the baby's thryoid is developed by 12 weeks so my hypotthypoidism with or without meds would not effect the baby. Since I had no problems before learning of the levels, and since I had side effects from the med., I stopped taking it. My youngest is 4 and I do not have a thyoid issue. Work closely with an endocrinologist that you trust.

Hi N.,

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism when my first child was four months old. As your dr may have told you, something like 7% of women have a problem with their thyroid as a result of childbirth. This problem may resolve itself, or it may be with you from now on. I carried two pregnancies to term and had healthy babies after my first. We simply monitored my thyroid and made sure the medication was doing its job.

Its entirely possible that your thyroid has not been performing adequately since your 13 month old was born and you simply were unaware of the problem. There is absolutely nothing you could have done to prevent this. Thyroid problems are very common and with a little attention can be fairly easily controlled.

Prior to being diagnosed with this thyroid thing, I was in perfect health. I had a very significant case of hypothyroidism (which has never resolved) and was pretty upset at the thought of having to take a pill for the rest of my life,etc. A few years later my sister-in-law was diagnosed with a brain tumor and she didn't make it, leaving behind two little kids. The moral of the story is: be glad if thyroid problems are all you have to deal with.

Good luck!

M. G

N.,
I also have hypothyroidism but, I haven't really suffered any symptoms. it was diagnosed early because my mom has it too. (this was prior to my pregnancies) It is hormonal and there is nothing that you did to cause it and nothing you can do to change it. Many women return to reg. thyroid functioning post partum. It can take up to a year for this. I would be sure to consult with an endrocrinologist after pregnancy to be sure that you have someone who is an expert in the thyroid tell you your options. Either way it really isn't a big deal as long as your levels are regulated. Good luck!

Hi N.,

I went hypothyroid during my 3rd pregnancy, after having no problems with the first 2. Five years later I am still taking the thyroid hormone pills (synthroid) and probably will be forever. There is nothing you could have done differently to avoid this. Since the hormone you are replacing with the pill is the same as your body would otherwise produce naturally, the usual issues with taking meds while pregnant aren't an issue. Whether your condition will resolve itself after you deliver is unknown. Just get your bloodwork done as recommended and make sure to take care of you.

Hi N.:

No worries... I too have hypothyroidism, it happened after my first daughter was born! She's now thirteen, and I am still treating it with one little pill. Its a genetic thing, my mom had it, I got it and now my sister has it as well. Its actually no big deal, as long as you keep a regular track of it with your doctor.

No, it was nothing you could do. The same thing happened to me after my daughter was born. I did not notice it until then but the test revealed it was there prior to her birth. My doctor says it usually develops due to extreme stress to your body, not the regular stressful stress, but some type of unusual stress to your body, such as child birth, some types of female issues. Thyroidism is connected with your hormone levels, so says my doctor. I have been on medication for quite a bit varied doses, but for a long time.

hi N.,

I also was diagnosed with hypothyroidism after my 3rd child, I was so severely exhausted all the time and thought it was sleep deprivation - my daughter never slept thru the night.

Anyway my understanding as others said here is that whatever causes it during pregnancy (my guess is hormones) there is a chance that it can correct itself after your little one comes along. If not, there are much worse things to have in life that is for sure and the medication does work. Don't fret about it - you will be just fine!

best of luck to you

W.

Hi. I was diagnosed with hypothroid after the birth of my 3rd child. I have been on synthroid every since. There are different levels of dosage so a blood test is done periodically to check that level. It is a very tiny pill that is taken once a day. Hope this helps. K.

My grandmother had it. There are different types. You can always check http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/hypothyroidism-topic-o...

I read 5 million people have hypothyroidism. You are not alone.

I think you will find these articles helpful as far as how foods can stimulate or inhibit your thyroid. I will highly recommend eating coconut oil, it is great to take while you are pregnant and beyond for hypothyroid.

http://www.ithyroid.com/goitrogens.htm

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2003/1...

N.,
I don't mean to be rude to the previous poster--but Toni's response is way over the top and unnecessarily scary.
I am a registered dietetic technician. I have always been healthy--I exercise and eat very healthy--tons of organic fresh fruits and veggies, lean meat and wild salmon and a lot of whole grains. I don't smoke and I drink wine in moderation. I'm 5'4 and 115-120 lbs so average height and weight.
At six weeks pregnant I was also diagnosed with hypothyroidism--I took thyroxin for the duration of my pregnancy and quit as soon as my bundle of joy was born. At my six week postpartum check up my thyroid numbers came back normal and I have been fine ever since and taking NO medication.
I believe the pregnancy hormones affect the thyroid.
Good Luck with your pregnancy and don't worry too much,
K.

I was diagnosed with it before I was pregnant, that was causing me not to get pregnant. The way my doctor explained it to me is that I will have to be on medicine the rest of my life, and it usually is caused be a virus that hit your thyroid. Now I don't know if that is the cause for everyone, that is just what I was told. I did buy a really good book about Hypothyroidism, I can't remember the name but I got it at Barnes and Noble. I hope that helps answer some of your questions.

Actually, Toni is correct. However, because you are preggers, i would not do a detox until after your pregnancy is over. Take the Synthroid as directed by your doctor. They will adjust it accordingly throughout your pregnancy. This is ot a big deal, you just need to have good levels because if your thyroid levels are not right, it could cause problems with the development in your child. I know what Toni was mentioning, and I do agree, but I do not know if I would detox and be preggers and not take a thyroid support med. If after your pregnancy is over and you find your thyroid does not kick in on its own, I would seriously consider a detox of the liver and add some type of thyroid support. Also, cut out the crappy oils. Stick with extra virgin coconut oil (the best thyroid support) and extra virgin olive oil. No other oils should touch your lips! Happy pregnancy!

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism after having my third child. I may have had it long before diagnosed, so who knows whether I developed it after the first, second, or third pregnancy. I have heard that pregnancy is one of the most common ways it develops.

It was extremely frustrating to go through the symptoms before I was diagnosed. I was cold all the time, my hands felt swollen, I was bloated, and ultimately was somewhat depressed. I was hugely relieved when I found out what the cause was and took synthroid or similar since. It has now been more than ten years, and taking a pill once a day is just part of my routine. I started to feel much better after they played around with my dosage for about 4 months after diagnosis.

Best wishes. You will find that you will feel much more energized, which, when you are raising children, is certainly important!

I have hypothryoidism and have been on medicine for over a decade including 2 pregnancies. During/After pregnancy I have gotten slightly out of whack and just had to change dosage - not a big deal as it wasn't a dramatic change.

This is a very treatable condition - small pill and inexpensive to treat if money is a concern - $4 generics, but a blood test required to check TSH - frequency dependent on TSH level consistency. While not unusual to develop while pregnant (I've heard it could be temporary in these cases), hypothyrodism runs in the family typically with women though men may get as well (my FIL has). Besides me, my mother, grandmother, aunt (developed after menopause) and one female cousin (developed during 2nd pregnancy after age 35) have and my younger sister is borderline. So, ask family members and be sure to tell family members.

Read up on the symptoms, but realize that you may not have any or different ones. When I was diagnosed I had this strange feeling in my arms - incredible aches and pains like they were going to fall off - I was totally clueless and freaked out. This is NOT a normal symptom and the thing is that my TSH wasn't way off to cause that strong of a reaction. Everyone's body reacts differently and your reaction may change over time so it is important to follow your doctors recommendations about how often to get it checked and seek help if something doesn't seem right.

The two common side affects are increased sensitivity to the sun (I find I am more susceptible to the sun now and I see this in others as well so sunscreen has increased importance especially on your face)and dry skin, which I never had other than from constant hand washing due to diaper changes.

One last thing, it typically says you should take your medication without food. I leave on my nightstand and take it when I start to wake up that way it is at least an hour until I eat.

M.

Hi N.,
I have been through three pregnancies and had abnormal thyroid levels. My family doctor first discovered that my thyroid was enlarged...then did blood tests...I have since followed up with ear, nose, and throat specialist. It is important to followup with your doctor, have the blood test, and understand the medicine suggested to achieve thyroid balance. Many of us live with thyroid issues. Some of us have children that also have thyroid issues. Thankfully there are forums such as this one to give us role models and help us appreciate what we do have. My second pregnancy was hyperthyroid (not much sleep but baby is now 21 - yay).
I don't personally believe that you could avoid it but rather it is opportunity for you to become informed about your thyroid and ask about how to help your thyroid while also supporting your pregnancy.
Congratulations on your pregnancy!
C. L
mom of 3

I don't know where Toni got her medical degree, but the thyroid problem you have isn't related to your liver. It is a hormonal problem that can even be caused by pregnancy. Or by your thyroid malfunctioning for whatever reason. And it does need to be treated. Her advice about detoxifying your body could actually be harmful to your baby. Work with your doctor to regulate your thyroid and everything will go fine. I had a friend with the same problem a few years back. And her son is now a healthy 6-year-old and she is fine as well. Sometimes drugs are our friends. You'll be fine. Many women have problems like yours. And no, you could not have done ANYTHING to prevent this.

N.,
I had/have the same problem. My first pregnancy was fine, thyroid levels and all, however, my second one was different. There is nothing you could of done to prevent this. Your thyroid levels could of gotten out of whack from your other pregnancy and you might not have known it. That was the case with me. I too went on medication and my baby had no side effects from it. In fact I am still on it while breastfeeding and there are no side effects. Please write me if you have any questions or need some more advice on the matter!!

----D.

I have hypothyroidism as well and had to take synthroid with my pregnancy. It is something you will have to live with for the rest of your life. It is not a big deal to take a pill everyday . I know they are gonna make you have your levels checked frequently. Good Luck everything will be fine

I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer 1.5 year before becoming pregnant. I had surgery to remove my thyroid, which left me effectively hypothyroid. I wil be taking synthroid for the rest of my life and the dotors have to monitor my levels carefully during the pregnancy. So, I know my situation is different. I'm now 36 weeks pregnant and have been having a perfectly healthy pregnancy. There's a not a lot you can do to prevent changes in your thyroid (that I know of!). The medication is completely safe to take throughout your pregnancy and if you do have to live with it for the rest of yout life, it's really manageable. Just be careful when you are taking your medication to not eat (or drink anything except water) for 2 hours before or an hour after. Also, avoid taking calcium supplements or food heavily enriched with calcium right before and after taking the medicine- it will prevent proper absorbtion. Make sure your levels are checked again after delivery- changes in your hormones often affect your thyroid levels. You may be surprised all the ways your thyroid affects your body- it's good to be aware of all the possible symptoms of your levels being off, so you can be proactive. Best of luck with the rest of your pregnancy!