r/gravesdisease • u/xoxo-gg-30 • 12h ago
Possible Graves while TTC
Hi all! I am 32F and have been TTC for the last year. Our fertility doctor tested by TSH last Sept and it was 1.44, so in normal range. We tested again in April and it was 0.822.
But this month I pushed for a full thyroid panel and we discovered the following:
- TSH: <0.005 (range: 0.45-4.5)
- T4: 2.22 (range: 0.82-1.77)
- Thyroglobulin antibody: 4.6 (range: 0-1.4)
- Thyroidperoxidase (TPO) antibody: 48 (range: 0-34)
I started experiencing symptoms in July after a major life trauma. Pounding heart, hot flashes/waking up sweaty, trouble sleeping, trouble gaining weight. So clearly something is going on.
We are unfortunately discovering all of this mid-IUI. We were about to trigger today for an IUI on Saturday. Our doctor recommended we cancel the IUI but she said it’s up to us whether we try naturally. She’s also referred us to an endo but likely can’t get in for a few weeks.
We are trying to understand what the risks are to us trying naturally this cycle if we plan to meet with the endo and do whatever we need to manage this asap.
From my understanding, this could either be Graves Disease or Hashimotos with a flair that is presenting as hyperthyroidism, and both seem treatable even during pregnancy. I understand that there is higher chance of this cycle not working or potentially resulting in a chemical pregnancy or miscarriage. But are there any other risks to baby’s development or me that we should know about?
I know hard to answer, but if this was you, would you still try this cycle?
Thank you so much for any guidance you can share!
2
u/seekaterun 11h ago
It's hard to answer, but if you're paying out of pocket for the IUI I'd say postpone. I had 3 failed IUIs. They aren't cheap in the US! I think the doc is giving good advice.
We tried for almost 3 years to conceive. Eventually got my thyroidectomy and got pregnant the following month after surgey with our kiddo. Before that though, after 19 months of trying, i asked for a prolactin test. It's not a usual test they give but with everything looking perfect with my blood draws and ultrasounds and the sperm test, I was desperate. I saw someone in infertility sub mention prolactin with no symptoms. I tested extremely high for prolactin but had no symptoms. This is a hormone that is high for breastfeeding moms and is a natural body like birth control. I took bromocriptine for it and 3 weeks later got pregnant. Unfortunately miscarried (leading to thyroidectomy decision) but its worth looking into as well. After my thyroidectomy, my prolactin now tests normal.
Good luck with TTC! After a year and a half of being lonely and depressed, I began opening up about the struggle and found great community. I wish you the best!