Hypothyroidism and Fertility

I first suspected I might have a thyroid problem from charting my temperatures. When I looked at other people's charts their temperatures seemed to be way higher than mine. After suffering from recurrent miscarriages I started to wonder whether my low temperatures might be a problem, so I started searching the internet for "low basal body temperatures" and other variations. Most of the search results came back that it could be an indication of hypothyroidism. I checked further and I had most of the symptoms

Weight gain (I've always had a problem though)
Tiredness (I have a toddler)
Muscle and joint pains, including carpal tunnel syndrome and plantar fasciitis (I have both of those quite badly)
Menstrual irregularities and fertility problems (yes and yes)

So when I went to my next pre-conception appointment I asked the Consultant if I could have a blood test to check my thyroid. He actually apologised and said that it should have already been done before then (I'd been to a few pre-conception appointments by this point).

When my results came back my TSH was just under 7. Optimal for trying to get pregnant is 1-2, so I have quite a way to go yet. They've started me on 75mcg of Levothyroxine per day, and then it will be adjusted depending on how well I'm responding to the medication.

Normal TSH Levels during pregnancy are:-
First Trimester: 0.24 - 2.99
Second Trimester: .46-2.95
Third Trimester: .43 - 2.78

Pregnant women who are hypothyroid have a greater risk of miscarriage. So if you're having difficulty conceiving, or suffering from recurrent pregnancy loss and suspect that you might be hypothroid ask your Dr for a blood test.

Hopefully with medication you can then go on to have a healthy pregnancy.