Overview

Postpartum thyroiditis is an uncommon condition during which a previously normal-functioning thyroid — a butterfly-shaped gland located at the bottom of your neck slightly below your Adam's apple — becomes inflamed within the primary year after childbirth.

Postpartum thyroiditis often lasts several weeks to months. But, postpartum thyroiditis are often difficult to acknowledge because its symptoms are often mistakenly thought to be the strain of getting a newborn and postpartum mood disorders.

For most women who develop postpartum thyroiditis, thyroid function returns to normal within 12 to 18 months of the beginning of symptoms. But some women develop permanent complications.

Symptoms

During postpartum thyroiditis, you would possibly experience two phases. The inflammation and release of hormone might prime mover mild signs and symptoms almost like those of an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), including:

Ø  Anxiety

Ø  Irritability

Ø  Rapid heartbeat or palpitations

Ø  Unexplained weight loss

Ø  Increased sensitivity to heat

Ø  Fatigue

Ø  Tremor

Ø  Insomnia

These signs and symptoms typically occur one to four months after delivery and last one to 3 months.

Later, as thyroid cells become impaired, mild signs and symptoms of underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) might develop, including:

Ø  Lack of energy

Ø  Increased sensitivity to cold

Ø  Constipation

Ø  Dry skin

Ø  Weight gain

Ø  Depression

These signs and symptoms typically begin four to 6 weeks after the symptoms of hyperthyroidism resolve and may last six to 12 months. Keep in mind, however, that some women who have postpartum thyroiditis develop symptoms of only hyperthyroidism or only hypothyroidism.

Causes

The exact explanation for postpartum thyroiditis isn't clear. However, women who develop postpartum thyroiditis often have high concentrations of anti-thyroid antibodies in early pregnancy and after childbirth. As a result, it's believed that ladies who develop postpartum thyroiditis likely have an underlying autoimmune thyroid condition that flares after childbirth thanks to fluctuations in immune function. This underlying condition appears to be very almost like Hashimoto's thyroiditis, during which the system attacks the thyroid.

Risk factors

You might be at increased risk of postpartum thyroiditis if you have:

Ø  An autoimmune disease , like type 1 diabetes

Ø  A history of postpartum thyroiditis

Ø  High concentrations of anti-thyroid antibodies

Ø  A history of previous thyroid problems

Ø  A case history of thyroid problems

While further research is required , some studies have also shown a link between postpartum thyroiditis and postpartum depression. As a result, if you've got postpartum depression your doctor will likely check to ascertain how your thyroid is functioning.

Prevention

While you would possibly not be ready to prevent postpartum thyroiditis, you'll take steps to worry for yourself within the months after childbirth. If you've got any unusual signs or symptoms after childbirth, don't assume they're associated with the strain of caring for a newborn. If you're at increased risk of postpartum thyroiditis, ask your health care provider about the way to monitor your health.

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