Bloodwork

I just got my results from my bloodwork taken at 5w1d. Hanauer's office called to say my TSH level is a little elevated and wants me to have it looked into. Anyone know about this?

Re: Bloodwork

if your TSH is high, then that means you MAY have hypothyroidism.

some docs use TSH as a screening test for hyper/hypothyroidism, but by itself it's not useful. once you get an abnormal TSH value, then you have to measure the actual amount of thyroid hormone in the blood. some people have low or high TSH levels but normal thyroid hormone levels in the blood, so they don't need treatment.

thyroid function is important to keep track of in pregnancy because pregnancy puts a much higher demand on your thyroid gland. so if you are very mildly hypothyroid when not pregnant (low end of normal, or only slightly abnormal, not needing treatment), pregnancy might put you over the edge to where you would need meds.

hope this helps! let me know if you have any other ?s about this.

Message edited 3/2/2007 4:00:47 PM.

Re: Bloodwork

Ugh, of course I'm googling up a storm now and wondering if this has anything to do with why it took me so long to get preggo!

Re: Bloodwork

if you are hypothyroid, it could definitely affect your ability to conceive.

do you have any other signs/symptoms of hypothyroidism? for example,

-rapid weight gain over a relatively short period
-difficulty losing weight
-always cold
-dry hair and skin
-always tired
-depressed

Re: Bloodwork

I don't think I have any of those problems - nothing extreme at least. I mean, I'm tired - but I'm busy. And I've gained probably 10-15 lbs over the last 18 months, but a lot of that was when off the pill and stopped smoking (plus I was technically underweight before I gained the weight).
I do have dry scalp and skin - but it's winter.
I guess we'll see what the endoncrinologist has to say!
Thank you!