Postpartum Thyroiditis

If your body is not making enough thyroid hormones, you may suffer from postpartum thyroiditis, a condition similar to Hashimoto's autoimmune disease. This condition is a common side effect of pregnancy and can be quite harmful. Read on to find out more about the condition and treatment options.

Hypothyroidism

Postpartum thyroiditis is when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. This condition can cause several symptoms and needs to be addressed right away. First, doctors will perform a blood test to determine the thyroid hormone levels. Initially, mild symptoms will not require treatment, but if they become severe, you may be prescribed thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Most cases, postpartum thyroiditis will clear up within twelve to eighteen months.

Postpartum thyroiditis has two phases, the first lasting one to six months after childbirth and the second lasting four to eight months after birth. Most women will go through both steps, but a small number will permanently state hypothyroidism.

Transient thyrotoxicosis

The clinical features of postpartum thyroiditis and transient thyrotoxicosis are similar, but their etiology distinguishes them. In addition, different etiologies require different types of treatment. Therefore, it is important to determine the primary etiology. Table 1 outlines the main etiologies and their essential features.

Postpartum thyroiditis is a common autoimmune disorder that causes thyroid gland inflammation after birth. It affects up to 10% of women in the United States. It is more common in women with elevated TPO antibodies, type I diabetes, or autoimmune thyroid disease in their families.

Goiter

If you had a thyroid disorder during pregnancy, you should continue to see your GP, even after delivery. Getting a TSH check every year is important to determine if your thyroid is functioning normally. If you have postpartum thyroiditis, you may experience symptoms months after delivery.

Postpartum thyroiditis is an uncommon condition, affecting only 5% of women after giving birth. It occurs when the thyroid gland becomes inflamed and produces high amounts of thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones are produced by the butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck and affect nearly every body part. They help keep you warm, control your heart rate, and maintain muscle tone. If your thyroid is inflamed and produces too many thyroid hormones, you may develop hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.

Treatment

Postpartum thyroiditis is a rare disorder that can occur up to a year after birth. This condition affects the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped organ in the lower front part of the neck. It produces hormones that regulate the body's energy usage and maintain body temperature. These hormones also regulate the menstrual cycle and heart rate. Thyroid problems can lead to hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.

Fortunately, postpartum thyroiditis is treatable. Most women can resume normal thyroid function within a few weeks. However, some women develop long-term hypothyroidism. Daily thyroid hormone supplementation can help treat the condition of those women.