High TSH Level - 4 Months Pregnant

[BeachGirl53]

Forgive my lack of medical terminology, but I have a major concern.  My friend had thyroid cancer and had her thyroid removed 5 and 1/2 years ago, followed by radiation therapy.  She had a little girl right before her cancer had been found, who has had visual problems (I know now that high TSH levels can cause visual problems for a baby).  My friend is now 4 months pregnant, and her TSH level is 50.  My concern (with not knowing all the details yet) is what should I be scared of most at this point - the lack of treatment options for my friend because of the pregnancy or the healthy development of her baby.  Help?

[BeachGirl53]

Because I don't fully understand what T3 and T4 and TSH are, I don't know what her levels mean.  I thought that the pituitary gland secretes TSH in levels corresponding to the t3 and t4 that the thyroid secretes. Her thyroid was completely removed due to the cancer years ago.  She takes synthroid.  Her t3 and t4 levels are a low, her TSH is 50.    Does this indicate that there could be cancer on her pituitary?  She did say that her doctor mentioned that it could mean a tumor on her pituitary gland - but I am not a clinical person, I need plain english.  What do her low t3 and t2 and high TSH without a thyroid gland indicate?  Should I assume cancer?  Should I assume that her doctors can regulate her levels with medication adjustments without hurting the baby and without allowing cancer to hurt her?  Should I be worried or just concerned?  

[nellster]

Hello.  I agree with gottama.  If pregnant with a thyroid issue, most Dr's monitor every few weeks with labs.  Most labs list what an optimal range should be for each trimester of pregnancy.

best wishes.

[gottama]

She should be increasing her dosage of throxine to lower the TSH as she would do if she was not pregnant. If she is being monitered by an endocrinologist (hopefully she is and by one she likes and trusts) they will keep her under closer observation than normal because she is pregnant so that harm doesn't come to the unborn baby.