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Hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's, etc.....

So ladies, anyone out there who can give me info about this stuff?? I have been trying for over 4 years now to get a doctor to listen to me. At what levels did your doctors decide to diagnose a thyroid problem? I truly believe my sudden weight gain (80 lbs in less than a year) fatigue, and MANY other symptoms indicate a thyroid problem. Every time I try to get a dr to do some blood work they only test TSH and free T4. They are both "within normal range".

Ladies, please help me out here. I'm just looking for some info on your experiences, maybe TSH levels, advice, etc.


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9 Replies • 9 years ago


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I was diagnosed after TTC for one year based on labwork and an ultrasound of my thyroid (which is enlarged). I had no obvious symptoms of thyroid problems.

My TSH was 3.06, which technically can be considered within the normal range. They tested me for antibodies because of my enlarged thyroid and my antibodies came back at 291 so then diagnosed with Hashimoto's. My endocrinologist said that if I was not trying for a baby, he probably would not have put me on medication.

My primary care doctor, gynecologist, endocrinologist, and fertility specialist all agree that the optimal TSH range for trying to conceive should be between 1-2 (not sure about T4, etc.). I don't seem to be someone that is very affected by my thyroid. Some people can really tell a difference when their TSH increases and decreases and some can tell a different being on or off the medication.

According to my endocrinologist, there are other conditions that can cause weight gain and fatigue that you talk about and that they tested me for (I can't remember what all they said but some were Cushings Disease, PCOS, etc). All my tests came back negative.

I would ask your doctor what your TSH is and if its above 2 and they don't want to treat it, seems a little weird to me. I know there is some debate about testing TSH and T4 and T3 numbers and getting an accurate diagnosis when levels appear normal. Most doctors are going to start off with the TSH first and an indicator to test T4 and T3. Although when my doctor tested me, he tested everything.

Are your cycles normal? Do you ovulate? Thyroid problems can really mess with your cycles, although in my case I still have normal cycles and ovulate on my own. Honestly, I think if you feel there is an issue and your doctor(s) won't listen, I would get a second or third opinion if possible. While you could certainly have a thyroid problem, here are many other conditions that can create similar symptoms.

I am not an expert in this by any means but I've been dealing with Hashimoto's for a while now. Hopefully they can rule out if this isn't a thyroid problem or confirm that you are actually hypothyroid and they can begin to treat it!

9 years ago


Thank you so much, pbc!!! I hope you're following this thread so you can see how much I appreciate your reply.

This all started just over 4 years ago when I found out I had mono. My primary doc tested me after the antibiotics for strep throat didn't work. So, I had mono and shortly after that I became very fatigued, mentally foggy, I began falling asleep while driving. I told him how I didn't feel right and how tired I was and I gained 40 pounds in 4 months. He did a cbc and TSH. That's it. My blood work was great but my TSH was 3.4. I did my own research after he pretty much shrugged his shoulders and let me walk out without any answers or suggestions besides "move more". Mind you, I had been working out 4-5 days a week (2 hours a day) for two years and hadn't lost any weight in almost a year. I ate mainly whole grains, lean proteins, and fruits and vegetables. I never ate above 1500 calories per day. I went on to gain a total of 80 pounds in less than a year....while still working out. Even though it was an intense struggle every day just to get out of bed.

Moving on, I went back to school full time and lost my job with health insurance so didn't go back to the doctor for years. I recently got health insurance through my new job and my husband and I have been TTC for 2 years now. I haven't had a period for over 450 days. I went to my gyno thinking it would be PCOS or maybe she would find a thyroid issue. I have developed very dry skin and hair, persistent constipation, stiffness in my knees and ankles, my fatigue is still pretty bad, I get severe cramps in my feet and thighs. You know what the real kicker is? I have a family history of hypothyroidism and goiters on my mother's side. I informed both drs of this.

My gyno did some lame blood tests including a TSH and T4. My TSH is still 3.4. My cholesterol (triglycerides), which has always been great, is now double what it should be. She did a few tests like:
FSH < 2.0
Prolactin 7.4 NG/ML
FSH 7.7 MIU/ML
T4, Total 8.8
Glucose 92
Triglycerides 305 (YIKES!!)

She also did a transvaginal ultrasound and the results were that I had as perfect a uterus and ovaries as you could get. The lining was normal (which she expected to be much thicker since I haven't menstruated in over a year), no cysts on my ovaries, anteverted uterine position...blah, blah, blah. Don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled everything is in great shape. However, she called and is really pushing a diet drug on me and requested I be sure to eat under 1200 calories per day. I was excited at my initial visit with her because it sounded like she was going to really look for solutions.

I'm deflated now. I was going to try the pill but now I think I'm going to tell her to shove it. I am on a serious hunt for a new primary care doctor and I think I'm going to call up the RE that is located in the same building as my gyno. I feel there is something wrong and there has been for some time. I just needed to know of an experience someone else had that may be like mine.

I can't thank you enough for your reply!!!


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9 years ago • Post starter


Based on my experience and what my many doctors have told me, I would think that you maybe have, at least, subclinical hypothyroidism. I think "subclinical" is basically when your levels seem within range but could use mild treatment, usually Levothyroxine or similar medication. I can't believe they haven't at least tried that especially since you are TTC!

And even though I am not a doctor, your symptoms scream "thyroid issue!' I too get crampy legs an ankles and my doctors think its just from my thyroid. Otherwise, I don't really feel like I have many symptoms, but I do take medication. I've read tons of people report that even with a TSH that is technically normal, they have a lot of symptoms until they are between 1-2. Everyone is different and I think some people really feel the effects of a wonky thyroid and others don't. Furthermore, the fact that you haven't had a period for that long and everything looks good internally...I mean that's another huge sign of thyroid problems!!!!!

Your levels seem good, prolactin is great, FSH is good. Your T4 seems a bit high. I don't know the different between T4 and T4 Free, maybe they are the same. My T4 Free result when my thyroid was perfect, was about 1.4. My lab's range says anything above 2.19 is elevated. There is a correlation between thyroid and high cholesterol too. Mine is high as well.

I read so many crappy stories from wonderful ladies who have doctors who won't probe further or properly treat issues. If you took this list to my doctor, she would have sent you to an endocrinologist right away. I say find another doctor that will listen! People pay good money for insurance and medical care! You've been trying for 2 years and the doctor's job is to rule out reasons for fertility issues and it sounds like to me your thyroid is causing you problems.

I hope you can find a doctor what will help! Hopefully you can get straight in to see the RE without a bunch of referrals. I'm here is you ever have any questions.

9 years ago


Thanks! The more I read about Hashimoto's and subclinical hypothyroidism the more I felt like that was something worth investigating. I called this morning and made an appointment with an RE, not sure if my insurance covers it but I really need to know if they will at least LOOK at my tests and maybe do some more searching.

I was so disappointed to realize my gyno is just looking to induce af with some Aygestin and shove a diet pill at me. I took the Aygestin but I'm not doing the diet pill...or her ridiculous demand for a <1200 calorie/day diet. I'm already at around 1600 cal per day, I don't find a problem with that! I, somehow, didn't realize until after she called with my test results that she just totally ignored the fact that we have been ttc for the past two years. That hurt.

The hubs and I have been talking lately and he told me that if we can't do it on our own, we can look into adoption. I know he is being supportive and all that but I don't know if I can handle talking about that route right now.

It's good to find some support out there. Thanks again! I'll be in touch!


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9 years ago • Post starter


I would imagine the RE will definitely test your thyroid and recommend getting it between 1-2. Let's hope at least.

My doctor 7 years ago, when I complained about my thyroid feeling big, said "maybe yours is just bigger than others" told me she was going to run tests to make sure. She never did. I could have potentially been treating my thyroid properly for 3 years before starting TTC.

If your period issues are thyroid related, you should have luck with medication. Some people's lives are drastically changed once their thyroids are in order. it's amazing how much this little thing controls!

9 years ago


So, I saw my ob/gyn for a follow up and to discuss this diet pill and other such things. My bp was phenomenal!! It was at a normal level whereas it was quite high at my last appointment. So I was super happy about that. At this visit I think I was little clearer about my goals. I guess she didn't remember during our previous meeting that hubs and I have been ttc for 2 years. She looked shocked and then said, "...and you're 31! Wow! Okay, let's forget about the diet pill. I'm going to refer you upstairs to the reproductive specialist. Because you're 31 and you're running out of time!". Okay, I was glad to hear she was now on board with the appointment I already made with the specialist, but man did it sting when she just kept bringing up my age and my biological clock ticking away.

So, she said pregnancy now, before I become a high risk due to age, is a priority over the diet pill. Apparently they also have a dietitian in the same office as the specialist so I now have an appointment with him or her as well! It is all very exciting and gives me hope that in our near future we will have a child.

I see the new doc on Wednesday!! I can't wait!


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9 years ago • Post starter


I just read your JE and there is nothing else to say but THAT SUCKS SO MUCH! BUT, there may be some options. First, it's great your ob/gyn actually tried to listen and be helpful. The freak out about age isn't necessary...they did the same thing to me. Yeah, thanks for making me feel old!

Anyway, any particular reason insurance won't cover the specialist appts? I assume its due to infertility as some insurances are REALLY picky about covering anything related to it. In my early issues with infertility, my doctors never marked that on my sheets, just marked that I had a thyroid issue so that my insurance would cover everything without issue. Of course, you are still trying to get someone to listen to you about that! Honestly that would be a great first step to REALLY see how your thyroid is functioning (including getting antibodies tested). Having a specialist really really helps as they can get more specific, especially with blood tests and exams. You could consider budgeting for an initial visit, testing and a follow up that way they can test for some important things like egg reserve etc. Then the follow up, they could let you know possible issues. But of course you're looking at the cost of the visits and the tests and a blood test, at least for me, can be like $150! I know there are some options out there and there are plenty of users on this site that I know have dealt with the same exact thing.

Have you tried any natural options - vitamins, herbs, etc. A lot of women on here swear by them, such as Vitex, soy isoflavones. Soy acts like a natural version of Clomid. Check out a user on here called Eat2nourish - she has a wealth of knowledge on her page about natural ways to boost infertility. You can also buy clomid online (not sure how reputable it is, I've never tried it but I know others have).

I know you are feeling really down and discouraged right now and it's totally called for at this moment but it will pass. I know there are many options for women without insurance it just takes more time and patience trying to figure it all out. If I think of anything that will help, I will let you know.

9 years ago


I sent a brief response on my JE but I wanted to continue a little here. I have tried Vitex, Maca, RRL Tea, Nettle Leaf, EPO, and possibly others that I cant't remember. None of them did a thing really. I never got my period on vitex or maca. In fact, I didn't get a period for over a year. Even then I only got it because my ob/gyn prescribed progestin to induce this last period. It has been a rough 2 years ttc.

Don't tempt me to buy clomid online! haha That might be a bad idea, you never know what's in it!


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9 years ago • Post starter


I really wish there were some better options for you to meet with a specialist!!!!! I am sure there are, it seems there are always some kind of resource. Im pretty anything involving dealing with doctors, insurance, or both is a huge pain in the ass. I am getting ready to dump my doctor!!!! If you can't call me when I have left 4 messages about my MRI done OVER a month ago, you suck!

Ugh, this TTC journey really is a barrel of fun, isn't it. I know you'll find some answers or ways to see a doctor to get this journey sped up. I look forward to updates!!!

9 years ago


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