Hi, I'm new to the site and to your board. I was recently diagnosed with what I think it hypothyroidism. I went to the dr. after not having af for six months and they did a bunch of test with my blood to find that my thyroid hormone levels were outrageously high (mid 300's). It ended up being that I had a brain tumor caused by problems with my thyroid. I'm taking levothyroxin right now to correct my thyroid and shrink the tumor (it wasn't malignant) I'm still taking the meds and in a few wks. I go back to see if they are working or if I'll need surgery to remove it.

I have a few questions as I am totally new to this....

If my numbers were so high, does that mean I have an overactive thyroid or an underactive one?

I'm TTC with my husband and of course, we're on hold. I'm waiting for af to return once the meds really kick in. Can you be on medication for your thyroid once you get pregnant? Is it safe?

If you have problems and got preggo, how long did it take you?

Considering the size of the tumor, I believe that I've had problems with my thyroid for a long time, and so this is the answer to a lot of my problems. I was gaining weight and not being able to take it off and being tired all the time. I'm so glad that I found this board because now I will be able to talk to you ladies and share my concerns.

I look forward to getting to know you all better as time goes on.

big hugs,
Ashley

on hold TTC#1
waiting for af to return

Ashley! Unfortunately, I'm even newer than you are because I was diagnosed today with Grave's Disease (overactive thyroid).

I can answer a couple of your questions, thyroid medication is safe to take during pregnancy. My endo told me today that it would be fine if I got pg while on the meds. (At least my med is)

Thyroid problems can cause problems ttc (if isn't coming around regularly) and if you get pg, if untreated (Grave"s Disease) has a high chance of causing birth defects and miscarriage (I've had two since Oct 04). I believe it is similar for an underactive thyroid, too. (I would double check on the web about that, though).

I could be wrong with this, but my numbers "were through the roof" according to my doctors and I have a hyperthyroid. Did you have any other symptoms? I have hand and foot tremors (we thought I had MS), staving ALL the time, hot flashes, sweating like crazy, choking on my salvia, eye irritation, talking very fast and just very hyper in general. (That's why my PCP decided to check my thyroid, he said I was really hyper but didn't look like a hyper person. )

I'm so sorry to hear about your brain tumor! That must have been so scary to hear! I'm glad it's not cancerous and hope you don't need surgery!

I look forward to getting to know you better!

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Colleen

Thanks for answering my post Colleen, it seemed like no one else was going to reply to my questions. I have a few more questions that you might be able to clear up for me...

You said you have Graves....what is that? And what is the difference between that and hypothyroidism?

What kind of meds are you on? I'm on levothyroxin which I read is to treat hypothyroidism, so I'm a bit confused. I'll have to do more research on the web. Did your meds give you trouble sleeping? I'm beginning to wonder if mine have been lately.

You mentioned how you have hot flashes...is it possible to have those when you have hypo instead? I'm asking because there are times I get so hot I can't stand it. It's not like I'm working up a sweat either...I could be just walking around my apartment and get overheated.

As far as the brain tumor I have...I don't think I'll need surgery, but you never know. Thanks again for listening....I look forward to "chatting" with you again.

big hugs,
Ashley

Ashley, Grave's Disease causes a hyperthyroid from my understanding. Hyperthyroid and hypothyroid are exact opposites. Mine is producing way too much hormone and yours isn't producing enough.

I have read that with both cases, meds are difficult to get adjusted correctly. If you are having problems sleeping and having hot flashes, then you may need a med decrease. (My heart rate is around 150 sitting down. I will be put on beta blockers, too. Maybe you could check your heart rate adn see what it is doing. Maybe if you need a med decrease your h/r will be really fast like mine is )


My doctors decided to hold off on my meds until Wednesday afternoon or Thursday. I have a nuclear scan Wednsday morning which should help them see my thyroid in action, thus have a better idea of my dosages. The thyroid med will be Tapesol (SP?) and I'm not sure which beta blocker I will be on. I will know more by the end of this week.

I have seen some really good articles on the web that go into detail about both diseases. When I have a few minutes this afternoon, I will share them with you!

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Colleen