Hyperthyroidism during pregnancy

[jgmklmhem]

My wife is at 10 weeks and she had some blood work done yesterday and they are pretty sure she has Hyperthyroidism (along with a bladder infection....oh joy). This right now is scaring the heck out of me (not that I am letting her see that and she doesn't read the boards). I have been reading stuff all night and she will have to take some medication but the risks are there for the medicine effecting the baby as well. I also read just removing the gland is an extreme option, but surgery while pregnant can be risky. If she doesn't do something they say there are risks for birth defects and such due to too much hormone being produced and effecting the baby.

Our last daughter was already born with multiple birth defects (cleft palate and recurring craniosynostosis) so our risks become even higher. The whole once you have one with problems your risk goes up dramatically statistics. We were also already on edge and then this new problem pops up. Has anyone ever gone through this before and can offer some perspective. My wife is having more blood work done in this area tomorrow or Monday. Part of me thinks she has had this for awhile and the pregnancy exasperated the condition. She at times has had a racing heart and trouble breathing but all heart tests etc have always come back clean. She had blood work done 6months ago but I am not sure they checked for this problem.

 

[beckmrk04]

I don't have any experience with it, just wanted to offer I hope someone can help you out!

 

[tiggersmom2]

In my early weeks of pregnancy I tested positive for hyperthyroidism....but the Dr. said MANY women give false readings during this time period. They retested me at 16 weeks and everything was normal.

 

[jgmklmhem]

In my early weeks of pregnancy I tested positive for hyperthyroidism....but the Dr. said MANY women give false readings during this time period. They retested me at 16 weeks and everything was normal.

I hope it is just that but the fact she has had some of the symptoms for a while even before becoming pregnant leads me to believe something is not quite right. They asked her if she was actually taking hypothyroid medicine (boosts your thyroid hormone) when they called about the tests because her level was soooo high and they thought they might have to adjust her levels.

 

[pansmermaidzlagoon]

I am hoping for you that this turns out to be a false test result!!! If it is not - then seek out a Dr. who specializes in thyroid issues during pregnancy. I was told that if I ever got pregnant again, I would need to see one. Prior to that, I had no idea they existed. You might want to start searching now for one in your area. I hope this turns out to be totally unneccessary - wishing you the best!!!!

 

[hiwaygal]

I don't have any personal experience in this either but I did want to say that thyroid problems often pop up during pregnancy. Some of them go away after pregnancy, and some of them don't.

I would also highly recommend seeing if you can find a reproductive endocrinologist that can help with this...

Good luck and

 

[jgmklmhem]

Just wanted to update for those who might care or for those who might have any insight. More tests were done on Monday and she has very very high levels of T4 so we are being sent to an endocrinologist maybe tomorrow or Thurday. Thank you to all those who have posted/PM'd their hugs and thoughts

 

[bengalbelle]

ETA: sorry, I first read your post as "hypo" thyroidism so my experience wouldn't be helpful.

Hugs to you and your wife and prayers for a safe pregnancy and a healthy baby.

 

[tarmand]

Don't stress too much about it. I'm sure all will be fine. I have a goiter and take Synthroid for my thyroid condition. It didn't hurt during my first pregnancy and this one is going well too.

 

[jgmklmhem]

Don't stress too much about it. I'm sure all will be fine. I have a goiter and take Synthroid for my thyroid condition. It didn't hurt during my first pregnancy and this one is going well too.

Maybe I am getting confused here, but isn't Synthroid for hypothyroidism (I have been reading so much I might have read that wrong)? My wife will have to be taking something that has the opposite effect because she needs to bring her level down. You may be right and the medicine might be fine as well but from my reading the best thing for her condition would be radioactive iodine treatments, but during pregnancy that cannot be done. Propylthiouracil (PTU) seems to be the drug of choice for those who are pregnant but it also effects the babies thyroid gland which I read can be dangerous.

 

[hiwaygal]

I don't think you are confused...I'm pretty sure synthroid is for HYPOthyroidism (it's what I take as well).

I'm not sure about treatments for HYPERthyroidism...but I do want to wish you and your DW well. I'm sure the endocrinologist will be able to give you more answers.

 

[Fan2CSkr]

Maybe I am getting confused here, but isn't Synthroid for hypothyroidism (I have been reading so much I might have read that wrong)? My wife will have to be taking something that has the opposite effect because she needs to bring her level down. You may be right and the medicine might be fine as well but from my reading the best thing for her condition would be radioactive iodine treatments, but during pregnancy that cannot be done. Propylthiouracil (PTU) seems to be the drug of choice for those who are pregnant but it also effects the babies thyroid gland which I read can be dangerous.

You arent confused you have it right. PTU and Tapazole are antithyroid drugs that could be a choice for a hyperthyroid. PTU is preferred of the two as treatment during pregnancy. Has she had a consult with an endocronoligist yet? The goal also if one decided to go the RAI route would be one treatment. She may want to explore an antithyroid drug plan after she delivers to see if she may be one of the small % that attain remission without the need for RAI. Adding and omitting certain foods, minerals and vitamins can have a bearing worth investigating as well. I will be thinking positive thoughts for the both of you.

 

[tarmand]

Maybe I am getting confused here, but isn't Synthroid for hypothyroidism (I have been reading so much I might have read that wrong)? My wife will have to be taking something that has the opposite effect because she needs to bring her level down. You may be right and the medicine might be fine as well but from my reading the best thing for her condition would be radioactive iodine treatments, but during pregnancy that cannot be done. Propylthiouracil (PTU) seems to be the drug of choice for those who are pregnant but it also effects the babies thyroid gland which I read can be dangerous.

I'm sorry, I read it wrong too. When I read your post, for some reason I read it as hypo.