Graves Disease and IVF (previous PG mentioned)

[2ofaKind]

My history of infertility includes 4 failed IUIs, 1 failed IVF and then a successful twin pregnancy in 2010. The doctors diagnosed me as unexplained infertility, although I do have a subtle luteal phase defect and tend to have 4-5 days of spotting before each period begins.

My husband and I set out to try for #3 and during pre-IVF testing my tsh level came back at less than .01. Subsequent testing revealed slightly elevated T4 and antibodies indicating Graves Disease although I am virtually asymptomatic. We proceeded with a frozen embryo transfer of one excellent quality 5-day blast which resulted in a chemical pregnancy .

More recent thyroid testing now indicates that although tsh is still <.01, both my T3 and T4 are within normal range! We are about to embark on a fresh IVF cycle. My endocrinologist does not wnt to treat my thyroid as I am only "subclinically hyperthyroid". I am concerned my Graves could have caused the chem pg although no one has confirmed this for me. My infertility specialist is not weighing in and has offered no other treatment options -- he is pushing for an elective single transfer despite my many failed cycles, because I am still relatively young (32) and have had a successful cycle in the past.

Any thoughts or others with Graves Disease? What was your IVF treatment protocol?

[Adrienne]

I had Graves disease and had my thyroid nuked with radioactive iodine in my 20's. I have been on complete thyroid replacement since then. We had a failed IVF but that could have been due to our MF issues as well. I do know that the only pg I had was when all my thyroid levels were spot on. It was an IUI 2 of 3 tries.

The RE doubled my thyroid dose at the beginning of my pg and it was way too much. The regular endocrinologist told me that being hyperthyroid could cause me to miscarry and reduced my dose back to where it was (I had actually cut back on my own before that appt because I knew I was too high). Not sure what level of hyperthyroid is problematic.

[Adrienne]

PS, I got pg at 39 and had to use progesterone suppositories as well as progesterone in oil to cover me during the first trimester.

Best of luck to you!!