Postpartum Thyroiditis is a condition some mums face after giving birth. Many mums are wondering what is that, why it happens, and whether it can be treated or not. You will find all the answers you need here.
What is Postpartum Thyroiditis?
Postpartum Thyroiditis is when a mum’s thyroid gland becomes inflamed after having a baby. This condition affects a small percentage of pregnant women – so no need to over worry about this. At the beginning of this condition, your thyroid will be overactive. But over time, it will lead to it slowing down which is also known as underactive thyroid. Which means your thyroid gland is producing less thyroid hormones that it should.
Why does it happen?
Most doctors are unable to pinpoint the cause of the over or underactivity of the thyroid gland. However, mums who face this condition have anti-thyroid antibodies prior to their pregnancy. Also, mums with positive anti-thyroid antibodies tend to be at a higher risk of contracting the disease. Furthermore, mums with a family history of thyroid problems are more likely to experience this.
Postpartum Thyroiditis symptoms
As we mentioned before, there are two stages for Postpartum Thyroiditis. At first, when the thyroid gland is overactive. This happens around 6 months after childbirth, and the symptoms are:
- – Extreme weight loss.
- – Irritation.
- – Heat waves.
- – Over stressing.
- – Hair loss.
- – Increased heart beat.
As for the second phase, which happens around 4 to 8 months after giving birth. The thyroid gland becomes less and less active. And the symptoms at this stage change to:
- – Gaining weight
- – Tiredness
- – Depression
- – Skin dryness
- – Constipation
- – Sore muscles
- – Chilliness
In case you experience any of these symptoms, we urge you to reach out to your doctor.
Cure and treatment
First of all, you should know that this is now a lifetime condition. It is very rare when it turns to that. Most mums who experience Postpartum Thyroiditis were fully cured within a year or so after giving birth.
But still, it is not something to be left untreated. The treatment of this condition depends on the phase your body is going through. The treatment plan for an overactive thyroid gland differs from an underactive one. Your doctor will decide on a treatment plan and medication after doing the necessary blood work for testing the hormone level. It is extremely crucial not to seek treatment on your own, especially if you are breastfeeding.
Finally, Postpartum Thyroiditis is not something to be worried about. But if you feel any of the symptoms mentioned above, we recommend you check in with your doctor!
