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Suggest Treatment For Hypothyroidism
While undergoing fertility treatment, it was discovered that I was mildly hypothyroid. My T4 levels were in the normal range. I went to the local endocrinologist and he put me on methimazole, 30mg/day. My blood was retested after a month of medication and my thyroid actually swung the other direction. I have reduced the methimazole to 20mg/day, however it is recommended that I try not to get pregnant while on this medication. The doctor wants me to have my thyroid removed so that I can continue on with trying to get pregnant, however I am not on board with that. What other options do I have to treat my thyroid so I can still try and get pregnant? I am 41yo and very healthy.
posted on
Thu, 13 Mar 2014
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Fri, 27 Dec 2019
Answered on
Fri, 3 Jan 2020
Last reviewed on
Hi,
We need to confirm your diagnosis. Are you mildly hypothyroid or hyperthyroid.
Hypothyroid patients need thyroid supplements whereas hyperthyroid patients need drugs like methimazole as you mentioned. Surgery is also an option. It would be more convenient if your TSH levels are known.
Considering you are hyperthyroid and planning for pregnancy you can consult with your endocrinologist and opt for propylthiouracil before and during the first trimester of pregnancy and switch to methimazole in remaining trimesters.
If surgery is warranted (which is decided by your cause of hyperthyroidism), then I would suggest going for surgery.
Postoperatively you can take thyroid supplements life long and plan for pregnancy which is a very much safer and simpler option for assuring fetal health.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr. Saranya Ramadoss, General & Family Physician
We need to confirm your diagnosis. Are you mildly hypothyroid or hyperthyroid.
Hypothyroid patients need thyroid supplements whereas hyperthyroid patients need drugs like methimazole as you mentioned. Surgery is also an option. It would be more convenient if your TSH levels are known.
Considering you are hyperthyroid and planning for pregnancy you can consult with your endocrinologist and opt for propylthiouracil before and during the first trimester of pregnancy and switch to methimazole in remaining trimesters.
If surgery is warranted (which is decided by your cause of hyperthyroidism), then I would suggest going for surgery.
Postoperatively you can take thyroid supplements life long and plan for pregnancy which is a very much safer and simpler option for assuring fetal health.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr. Saranya Ramadoss, General & Family Physician
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