Post-partum Thyrodism

Having hypothryriodism myself, (after pregnancy), I can say that you shouldn't be messing around with trying lots of herb remedys now. You have to get this thing under control first, and then maybe try other things. Herbs are tricky things, and work differently on different people, are not predictable in how they work over time, etc. Too much unknown. Levels over 5 are considered hypothyroid, and need medication. So, a level 115 is dangerous. You don't have precious time to play with herbs right this moment.
A good book to read is, "Living Well with Hyprothyroidism," by Mary J. Shomon. She is a leading expert on the subject, and will answer a lot of questions you might have. She quotes K.P. Khalsa, a known world's premier herbalist, on page 125...
"You probably can't really self-treat an autoimmune disease in general, as you have to take the whole body point of view to get better results."
Generally, the idea is that a thyroid problem is NOT a quick fix, (it sometimes take up to 4 months to see what your level of meds are actually doing for your body), and it sounds like you really need to be there now for your little one.
I hope you start feeling better soon. I know it's a hard road and it's a shock to your mind right now, but you will get through this.
Hugs and prayers for you.

Hi! I was diagnosd with thyroid problems about 3 months prior to getting pregnant with my 2nd son. I am also taking synthroid. It is perfectly safe to take during pregnancy and after.

I had the same issue. I'm now 22 months postpartum and still borderline hyperthyroid. My doctor advised the same: wait on meds to see if it evens out on its own. It didn't, and at about 6 months postpartum I started taking PTU. I still have issues with it, as I said. I feel your pain!

According to Kellymom and Dr Hale, synthroid is extremely safe. It's an L1 (same as, say, Motrin or Tylenol). http://www.kellymom.com/health/thyroid/thyroid-treatment....

"Most studies indicate that minimal levels of maternal thyroid are transferred into human milk, and further, that the amount secreted in extremely low and insufficient to protect a hypothyroid infant even when nursing... it is generally recognized that some thyroxine will transfer but the amount will be extremely low... (Hale 2002, p. 417-418)

Keep in mind that you're not taking anything that your body doesn't need. It's synthetic, yes, but it's not like you're suppressing the hormones (like you would if you were still hyper) - you're keeping them at the necessary levels. If I were you I would take the meds. There are serious medical complications that can arise due to not treating hypothyroidism, not to mention the risk that your milk supply could be affected. It's important to remember that for roughly three months after you deliver, your milk supply is mainly hormone driven. That is, your body is making more than enough milk until your baby sets its pace, which happens about 3 months after birth. It is extremely important to keep feeding your baby on demand (even through the night) in order to keep your milk supply at the level your baby needs.

Good luck, and if you have any other questions feel free to message me. :)

I've been taking daily synthroid since I was 21 - including all through pregnancy and now nine mos of nursing on 100mcg per day. I had a similar start - went WAY hyperthyroid and than way hypothyroid. When I was diagnosed, I was really not functioning very well - so bone-tired that if I sat down, the thought of having to stand up again would make me cry. So yeah, it can get worse, and who needs that with a baby? I've never had any side effects from the synthroid. Thyroid disorders are no joke - though pregnancy can send it all out of whack, so it may go back to normal, but if not synthroid is worth a try.

During your pregnancy and after you have had a baby, your thyroid is constantly trying to readjust the correct amount of hormones it produces. It is not uncommon to have your thyroid levels spike really high, then dip really low, or vice versa after giving birth. Usually after about 6-8 months the thyroid will return to its normal functioning level.

I had the same problems after I had my little girl. My hair started falling out in huge clumps and I basically had male pattern baldness in the front. My doctor watched my thyroid closely, and when my daughter was about 11 months old I had not returned to normal and was diagnosed with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis (this is diagnosed with a test that is different than the standard thyroid function test).

I have been on Synthroid ever since! It is completely safe for baby, in fact, if you do not have the proper Synthroid dose and get pregnant again, it can cause problems with the pregnancy and even lead to miscarriage.

I am not saying any of this to sway your decision one way or another - it is a personal choice, but know that that the Thyroid function fluctuates wildly after childbirth. It can't hurt to wait it out if you are not comfortable yet, but be aware of the symptoms of hypothyroidism (which can all be attributed to having a newborn as well)!

Your test results seem very inconsistent. I would definitely wait a little will until things return to equilibrium. You may be just low on iodine. If you do need medication, my neighbor is very careful and uses Armour, a natural substance she has compounded at a pharmacy. She heard that the drug companies are trying to make this illegal- sounds about right!!
Best Wishes, M.

Lile ~
I'm an OB nurse, and a thyroid cancer survivor...so I can totally relate to the hypothyroid issues.
It is not uncommon for pregnancy to cause hyper- or hypothyroidism. Your pituitary gland secretes TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) to tell your thyroid to secrete thyroglobulin. If there's not enough thyroglobulin, your TSH rises...it's trying to tell your thyroid to work harder. Apparently, yours isn't, now. It doesn't mean it never will. However, in Michigan, hypothyroidism is so common...we live in what's called a "thyroid belt."
Synthroid (or the generic) is not going to harm your baby. It will make you feel better. When I was diagnosed with cancer, I had no symptoms of being hypo, but I was. I've gone off my meds several times for scans, and I can tell you how awful I felt! I did have a TSH of 115 before (actually higher by the time I had my scan and got back on my meds). I was very sluggish....tired, but not sleeping well; dry skin; constipation; brain fog...are the most typical.
I would not recommend trying herbs or alternative medications...as another writer said, they react differently for each person, and can be unpredictable, and could affect your milk supply.
Once you start taking the synthroid, they will recheck your TSH in about 6 weeks...it takes that long for the synthroid to get to where it's working. They may have to adjust the dosage...it takes some playing around to get the right dose.
You may want to ask your doctor to send you to an Endocrinologist...they specialize in the endocrine system, which includes the pituitary, thyroid and ovaries.
good luck!
D.

Hi Lile---That's really a tough call. The thyroid can be such a pest if it's not cooperating.

I work with a number of healthcare professionals that advocate diet as a first line of healthcare. I would first make sure that your diet is optimal, and that means eating 85-90% plant-based foods. These foods can help your thyroid, or anything else in your body, work as well as it can. It doesn't mean that you might not need intervention until your body can take care of itself, but your diet plays a HUGE role in your health.

Eat mostly fresh raw fruits and veggies, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds. Use animal protein sparingly, as too much causes disease in the body. Please read The China Study by T Colin Campbell to learn more.

Get plenty of sleep (I know, new baby), lots of filtered water, exercise and avoid processed and chemical laden foods.

A naturopath I work with shares that herbs can be dangerous when 'self-medicating'. If you want to go more of a natural route, find a physician who practices integrative medicine. They will test before offering any supplement.

I teach wellness programs so if you'd like ideas on how to incorporate more of these ideas into your diet and lifestyle, please feel free to contact me. I love to share what I'm learning and help others with that knowledge. I also know of a REALLY easy way to get more f&v into your diet, so ask me how.

Good luck. D. ###-###-####