hello
so, I am trying to get off levothyroxine treatment now, but here is how I got here.
I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism in the 4th month of pregnancy. Had no other symptoms but a really bad headache with nausea, which you all know is kind of regular in pregnant women. My obgyn sent me to an endocrinologist for tests since I had an abruption of the fetal sac earlier (in gestational week 7) and she wanted to check me cloesly. I had TSH 7,31 ulU/ml (0,34-5,60) and FT4 7,97 pmol/l (7,9-14,4). They put me on a 0,25 mg levothyroxine than gradually started increasing my dose to 0,50 mg and told me I have to have tests monthly. I never had any problems with my thyroid before but also I have never had any test done before. On the next test I had TSH 3,47 and FT4 7,04 (same reference ranges) and started taking 0,75 mg. Next results came out TSH 1,64 and FT4 8,36 - I stayed on the same amount of levothyroxine - 0,75 mg. The following month I had TSH 1,55 and FT4 7,43, continued treatment with 0,75mg levothyroxine daily. The next month I was in the 9th month of pregnancy and the results were TSH 2,45 and FT4 6,70. My endocrinologist prescribed me 100 mg levothyroxine a day. By that time I was not feeling well at all - was anxious and angry at everyone all the time, sweating excessively like never before and had pains in my chest. I had an idea I might be overdosing on the levothyroxine but since these symptoms can be connected with just being pregnant in the 9th month and the delivery was expected really soon I didn`t have another test. My endocrinologist also thought I don`t need one and told me to have another one 40 days after delivery. I gave birth to a healthy baby but had a severe hemorrhage due to an abrupted pacenta, so I had to undergo an urgent c-section. We were planning for a natural birth and had no medical issues or any other concerns. There was no gynecological or logical reason for the abruption, I have never smoked, nor done drugs, had a perfect blood pressure, I am 26, this is my first pregnancy and overall I`ve lead a pretty healthy life before and during pregnancy.
Right after delivery I reduced the levothyroxine to 0,75 mg as my doctor prescribed.
2 weeks after delivery I had a test, since I didn`t want to wait more. The results were TSH 0,29 mU/l (0,35-4,2) and FT4 16,3 pmol/l (7,5-21,1). I called with the results and my doctor said I can reduce it by first trying takin 0,50mg and the 0,25mg. I took 0,50 for a week and then reduced it to 0,25. I was supposed to have a test on the 30th of April so I stopped taking it on the
28 cause I was feeling great and still was sweating whenever I take it and feel more nervous. But I couldn`t go in for a test cause my doctor was on a vacation, so I had a test yesterday. They tested only my TSH and it came out 8,8 (0,34-5,6). I should say I feel better when I am not taking the pill and have no complaints. I will go tomorrow and have it tested again together with the FT4 cause I don`t want them to diagnose me on the TSH level alone.
My concerns are about my breastfeeding cause I know lactation has a lot to do with hormones and I am really worried that this high level of TSH or the whole hormonal situation might interfere with it. I would be grateful for any advice or information on that matter. The other thing that concerns me is that maybe the gland needs a little more time for recovery cause it became "lazy". I had no previous history of any problems with my thyroid at all and am looking forward to getting rid of the pills as I`m sure anyone would. I would be so thankful for any advice or information on tests, ideas for treatment or whatever you would think helpful. Thank you in advance for your time and attention!
