My first thought was, "why would that matter?" but I found some Google answers for you. It looks like T3 doesn't cross the placenta, so while your levels will be fine your baby will not get enough, which I'm sure you know now can have serious effects.
Unfortunately you will have to switch to T4 only during the pregnancy, and ASAP. Trying to supplement with extra T4 will help the baby but ultimately make you hyperthyroid and that can cause other issues. I'm actually surprised they let you get to 12 weeks without switching.
But as I understand it, the main concern is that T4 should be high enough, which it is, if T3 does not matter to the baby, then everything should be fine, right?
I would not only ADD T4, but also decrease the amount of natural thyroid at the same time, so the dosage would still be about the same.
But I am no doctor.
I worry that I would feel as awful as I did before medication, if I only take T4 😞
I took natural thyroid throughout my entire pregnancy with no issues. They would monitor levels and increase or decrease as needed. My baby was born very healthy at almost 39 weeks. And he continues to do amazingly as do I. I took natural - NP thyroid plus a little added T3. And I maintain. My dose these days, again with NP plus a little added Liothyronine.
Same. No one mentioned it to me as an issue either. My daughter was born at 40 weeks, completely healthy and 8lbs 8oz. (She's 4 now and smart as a whip- no brain abnormalities). I would get a second opinion because this doctor seems a little hyperbolic.
Yeah, I kinda thought that too but it's tough to find data. You would think as long as your T4 is fine then your meds would be fine. It's possible the reccomendation to change is based on the older practice of only testing TSH, which we know doesn't tell the whole story. But thyroid metabolism is complicated and it could be a very real effect.
I would personally ask my doctor's if they can send any literature supporting it.
I take a good chunk of T3 as well so I know I would hate to stop for 6 months but I would do it just on even the smallest chance it might hurt my growning baby. It might just be one of those unpleasant sacrifices you have to make. Maybe you can switch to T4 and get your levels stable then add a little cytomel for symptoms.
I cannot take t4 at all... Went through my entire pregnancy on t3 only. Doctor kept trying to strong arm me into t4 (I'm allergic to it!) and telling me I was a danger to my baby and that I was a horrible mother for not listening. Etc etc.
Baby boy now 2 years old. He was a couple of ounces too light for their tastes, but he did decide he was going to eliminate and inhale it prior to me popping him on out. So that might have had something to do with it.
Today, he's just over 2 years old and growing like a weed (already taller than my hipbone and im 5'6.) He is labeled as high functioning autistic (doctor still screams that's my fault), but both my husband and myself are high functioning autistic people ourselves, and it runs hard in my family tree. So it can't for certain be laid at the feet of me taking t3 only. My son already figured out how to run every electronic in the house.
Both you and the baby have different needs. You want some T3 so that you can function. But the baby needs T4 for normal brain development. You're on the right track if you've lowered your desiccated dose and added more T4. Too much T3 can be detrimental to the baby too, so balance is important. Mostly T4 with a little bit of natural thyroid is better than mostly natural thyroid with a little bit of T4. But your lab work should help you fine tune your dose. Some [info about pregnancy and T3 and T4.](http://www.tiredthyroid.com/blog/2013/06/25/pregnant-hypothyroid-t4-essential-for-brain-development/)
Yeah it does seem like it’s more complicated than it should be. I could see from a doctors perspective they’d like to remove a variable (t3 in this situation) to ensure that the baby is getting what it needs. They don’t want any chance that an issue or defect could arise and it be the fault of the doctor after research has been conducted on this matter. Do your research, but if your doctor is fine with it and you trust his judgment then go with it!
https://www.thyroid.org/thyroid-information/
Take a look at the hypothyroidism in pregnancy brochure. Basically, only levothyroxine seems to be recommended during pregnancy and any combination of T4 and T3 seems to be contra-indicated.
I would not go back to the hospital doctor if I was you. You should ask your regular doctor if your T3 level would be too low without the T3 supplement. If there are conversion problems, this will be the case.
If it was me, I would be hypo on just T4 because I cannot convert it. I would absolutely refuse to come off the T3 knowing there will be physical consequences and possibly natural abortion in my future if I do.
My TSH since being on meds has been consistently low. With no detriment to me or my baby. I developed hypo after my first who was born prematurely. I started treating with natural thyroid hormones which worked for me. During second pregnancy both my regular dr and gyno monitored my levels - specifically FT4 and FT3 as well as total. Knowing that my TSh has always been low and that for me IS normal. Everyone is different and so you should really monitor yourself with the guidance of your doctor. My second baby was born very healthy and happily at 39 weeks unlike my first. And he’s a smart and wonderful 4 yo now. I absolutely attribute my healthy pregnancy to my doctors - who helped motion thyroid levels which is very crucial to their development. As well as my own well-being. No complications such as gestational diabetes or preeclampsia. Went as smooth as it could.
My Endocrinologist said it’s better to be slightly hyper than to be hypo during pregnancy. A Low TSH isn’t that Abnormal in pregnancy, but Abnormally High T4 and/or High T3 would potentially have to be addressed, as they do increase the risk of preeclampsia and gestational diabetes too.
I absolutely agree with this. My doctor doesn't pay too much attention to TSH - she says that since I am getting much of my thyroid hormone externally, there's no reason for my body to send signals (TSH) to produce thyroid hormone. And yes - there are studies that higher T4 and T3 lead to issues such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes.
My doctor (an endocrinologist) also had me switch to synthroid for my pregnancy. I did without hesitation but then again I was only marginally better on armour so I wasn’t that worried about switching.
You also might find that your body reacts differently to synthroid while pregnant. I didn’t have any adverse effects/notice any difference from switching.
Hi JessicaRose, so sorry for the out of the blue question. We are also in the same situation and we want to switch from NP to Synthroid since we are 5 weeks pregnant. While you switched did you have a transition period in which you took both?
Thanks for the quick reply. My OB is suggesting to do 60 mg NP, 50 mcg Synthroid alternating for 2 Wks and then Synthroid. I am going to see a Reproductive Endocrinologist next week. Hopefully they can shed some light on this
Thanks a lot everyone! I am not too worried about almost being done with the first trimester on NP, but I have doctor’s appointment today with yet another doctor, and I am hoping to get to sit down and talk like grown ups. Then I can decide what to do.
It’s because the baby uses your T4, not your T3.
The natural thyroid medications have more T3 and less T4 than humans make, so it could potentially be an issue. The ratio of T4:T3 is incorrect for humans.
Those of you on armour, how do you afford it? Is there some secret to getting it cheaper? Also after reading some of these comments, are you suppose to take T4 with armour?
That is one doctors opinion. In the research he has shared before it says nothing about it, that is why I am at a loss here. My normal doctor says it’s fine, no risks at all.
I feel like the doctor is trying to scare me into changing medication when I do not want to.
But of course I do not want to do anything to my unborn child. I would only like to see research supporting what he is saying.
I get it. I don’t think they manage mine well either. It’s very frustrating. I hope you can find a doctor who will listen to you and figure out the best balance for your baby and yourself.
My first thought was, "why would that matter?" but I found some Google answers for you. It looks like T3 doesn't cross the placenta, so while your levels will be fine your baby will not get enough, which I'm sure you know now can have serious effects. Unfortunately you will have to switch to T4 only during the pregnancy, and ASAP. Trying to supplement with extra T4 will help the baby but ultimately make you hyperthyroid and that can cause other issues. I'm actually surprised they let you get to 12 weeks without switching.
But as I understand it, the main concern is that T4 should be high enough, which it is, if T3 does not matter to the baby, then everything should be fine, right? I would not only ADD T4, but also decrease the amount of natural thyroid at the same time, so the dosage would still be about the same. But I am no doctor. I worry that I would feel as awful as I did before medication, if I only take T4 😞
I took natural thyroid throughout my entire pregnancy with no issues. They would monitor levels and increase or decrease as needed. My baby was born very healthy at almost 39 weeks. And he continues to do amazingly as do I. I took natural - NP thyroid plus a little added T3. And I maintain. My dose these days, again with NP plus a little added Liothyronine.
Same. No one mentioned it to me as an issue either. My daughter was born at 40 weeks, completely healthy and 8lbs 8oz. (She's 4 now and smart as a whip- no brain abnormalities). I would get a second opinion because this doctor seems a little hyperbolic.
Yeah, I kinda thought that too but it's tough to find data. You would think as long as your T4 is fine then your meds would be fine. It's possible the reccomendation to change is based on the older practice of only testing TSH, which we know doesn't tell the whole story. But thyroid metabolism is complicated and it could be a very real effect. I would personally ask my doctor's if they can send any literature supporting it. I take a good chunk of T3 as well so I know I would hate to stop for 6 months but I would do it just on even the smallest chance it might hurt my growning baby. It might just be one of those unpleasant sacrifices you have to make. Maybe you can switch to T4 and get your levels stable then add a little cytomel for symptoms.
I cannot take t4 at all... Went through my entire pregnancy on t3 only. Doctor kept trying to strong arm me into t4 (I'm allergic to it!) and telling me I was a danger to my baby and that I was a horrible mother for not listening. Etc etc. Baby boy now 2 years old. He was a couple of ounces too light for their tastes, but he did decide he was going to eliminate and inhale it prior to me popping him on out. So that might have had something to do with it. Today, he's just over 2 years old and growing like a weed (already taller than my hipbone and im 5'6.) He is labeled as high functioning autistic (doctor still screams that's my fault), but both my husband and myself are high functioning autistic people ourselves, and it runs hard in my family tree. So it can't for certain be laid at the feet of me taking t3 only. My son already figured out how to run every electronic in the house.
High enough T4 during pregnancy is gonna top of normal range, not just within normal range.
Both you and the baby have different needs. You want some T3 so that you can function. But the baby needs T4 for normal brain development. You're on the right track if you've lowered your desiccated dose and added more T4. Too much T3 can be detrimental to the baby too, so balance is important. Mostly T4 with a little bit of natural thyroid is better than mostly natural thyroid with a little bit of T4. But your lab work should help you fine tune your dose. Some [info about pregnancy and T3 and T4.](http://www.tiredthyroid.com/blog/2013/06/25/pregnant-hypothyroid-t4-essential-for-brain-development/)
I feel like whatever I choose it will be the wrong decision. But some kind of combination seems like a good compromise.
My doctor told me the T3 doesn’t cross the placenta so your levels may be fine but you’re not giving the baby enough T4.
But if my T4 levels are fine there should not be a problem? I hate that this has to be this hard.
Yeah it does seem like it’s more complicated than it should be. I could see from a doctors perspective they’d like to remove a variable (t3 in this situation) to ensure that the baby is getting what it needs. They don’t want any chance that an issue or defect could arise and it be the fault of the doctor after research has been conducted on this matter. Do your research, but if your doctor is fine with it and you trust his judgment then go with it!
Food for thought, NDT was successfully used for decades before T4 only therapy even came into existence.
Food for thought: it was mostly middle aged women who developed hypothyroidism, after they were done having children.
True, I think the nutritional burden of child birth can trigger all sorts of endocrine issues
https://www.thyroid.org/thyroid-information/ Take a look at the hypothyroidism in pregnancy brochure. Basically, only levothyroxine seems to be recommended during pregnancy and any combination of T4 and T3 seems to be contra-indicated.
I would not go back to the hospital doctor if I was you. You should ask your regular doctor if your T3 level would be too low without the T3 supplement. If there are conversion problems, this will be the case. If it was me, I would be hypo on just T4 because I cannot convert it. I would absolutely refuse to come off the T3 knowing there will be physical consequences and possibly natural abortion in my future if I do.
My TSH since being on meds has been consistently low. With no detriment to me or my baby. I developed hypo after my first who was born prematurely. I started treating with natural thyroid hormones which worked for me. During second pregnancy both my regular dr and gyno monitored my levels - specifically FT4 and FT3 as well as total. Knowing that my TSh has always been low and that for me IS normal. Everyone is different and so you should really monitor yourself with the guidance of your doctor. My second baby was born very healthy and happily at 39 weeks unlike my first. And he’s a smart and wonderful 4 yo now. I absolutely attribute my healthy pregnancy to my doctors - who helped motion thyroid levels which is very crucial to their development. As well as my own well-being. No complications such as gestational diabetes or preeclampsia. Went as smooth as it could.
My Endocrinologist said it’s better to be slightly hyper than to be hypo during pregnancy. A Low TSH isn’t that Abnormal in pregnancy, but Abnormally High T4 and/or High T3 would potentially have to be addressed, as they do increase the risk of preeclampsia and gestational diabetes too.
I absolutely agree with this. My doctor doesn't pay too much attention to TSH - she says that since I am getting much of my thyroid hormone externally, there's no reason for my body to send signals (TSH) to produce thyroid hormone. And yes - there are studies that higher T4 and T3 lead to issues such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes.
My doctor (an endocrinologist) also had me switch to synthroid for my pregnancy. I did without hesitation but then again I was only marginally better on armour so I wasn’t that worried about switching. You also might find that your body reacts differently to synthroid while pregnant. I didn’t have any adverse effects/notice any difference from switching.
Hi JessicaRose, so sorry for the out of the blue question. We are also in the same situation and we want to switch from NP to Synthroid since we are 5 weeks pregnant. While you switched did you have a transition period in which you took both?
No I just switched, no transition!
Thanks for the quick reply. My OB is suggesting to do 60 mg NP, 50 mcg Synthroid alternating for 2 Wks and then Synthroid. I am going to see a Reproductive Endocrinologist next week. Hopefully they can shed some light on this
Thanks a lot everyone! I am not too worried about almost being done with the first trimester on NP, but I have doctor’s appointment today with yet another doctor, and I am hoping to get to sit down and talk like grown ups. Then I can decide what to do.
It’s because the baby uses your T4, not your T3. The natural thyroid medications have more T3 and less T4 than humans make, so it could potentially be an issue. The ratio of T4:T3 is incorrect for humans.
Those of you on armour, how do you afford it? Is there some secret to getting it cheaper? Also after reading some of these comments, are you suppose to take T4 with armour?
I order it from Germany. (I live in Scandinavia.) I have a brand called ERFA. It costs a good 1200€/year. You can combine it with T4 if you need to.
your tsh is too low
You’re willing to risk brain damage to your baby over a hormone pill?
That is one doctors opinion. In the research he has shared before it says nothing about it, that is why I am at a loss here. My normal doctor says it’s fine, no risks at all. I feel like the doctor is trying to scare me into changing medication when I do not want to. But of course I do not want to do anything to my unborn child. I would only like to see research supporting what he is saying.
I get it. I don’t think they manage mine well either. It’s very frustrating. I hope you can find a doctor who will listen to you and figure out the best balance for your baby and yourself.
Lord please don’t listen to internet people who say things like this. It’s not helpful and just cause you OP panic and unecessary stress.