While pregnancy has its own challenges, life after childbirth can be as difficult for new mothers. Some women may experience postpartum complications, which can be physical, mental, and emotional. Postpartum thyroiditis is one such condition that affects about 5% of all new mothers, according to StatsPearls Publishing. 

In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Gayatri Deshpande, Senior Consultant-Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of General Surgery and Robotics, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mumbai, discussed postpartum thyroiditis and what can be done to manage the condition. 

Also Read: Thyroid: Expert Explains Why Women Are More Prone To It

What Is Postpartum Thyroiditis?

Postpartum thyroiditis is a thyroid gland disorder that occurs when a woman’s thyroid gland becomes inflamed after having a baby. It is an autoimmune disease that is associated with the presence of thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies, which increases the chances of the condition in pregnant women by 30-52%, as stated in StatsPearls Publishing. 

Postpartum thyroiditis occurs in two phases: 

Hyperthyroidism phase, which begins within a few months post-delivery, is when the thyroid gland becomes overactive, causing symptoms like anxiety, rapid heartbeat, weight loss, and irritability.

Hypothyroidism phase follows the hyperthyroid phase, typically 4-8 months postpartum, wherein the thyroid becomes underactive, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, depression, weight gain, and feeling cold.

It is important to note that not all women experience both phases, and the severity may vary.

How Long After Childbirth Can Postpartum Thyroiditis Occur?

Dr Deshpande said, “Postpartum thyroiditis can occur at any point in the first year after childbirth. The hyperthyroid phase happens first, followed by the hypothyroid phase a few months later.”

She added, “If you suspect postpartum thyroiditis, seek medical advice for proper evaluation and treatment. Thyroid function often returns to normal on its own, but medication may be necessary in some cases to manage hormone levels.”

Common Symptoms Of Postpartum Thyroiditis

The symptoms of postpartum thyroiditis depend on the phase, said Dr Deshpande.

Those suffering from hyperthyroidism or an overactive thyroid can experience symptoms like:

• Anxiety
• Heart palpitations
• Weight loss
• Irritability

Those suffering from hypothyroidism or an underactive thyroid can experience:

• Fatigue
• Weight gain
• Depression
• Feeling cold

Risk Factors

According to Dr Deshpande, postpartum thyroiditis is believed to be associated with changes in the immune system during and after pregnancy, but the exact cause isn’t fully known. Some of the factors that can raise an individual’s risk include:

• Having a close family member who has a history of thyroid issues, especially autoimmune thyroid diseases like Hashimoto’s or Graves’ disease
• Women with type 1 diabetes 
• Having a history of postpartum thyroiditis after a previous pregnancy
• Women over the age of 30 
• Experiencing hormonal shifts
• Viral infections

Managing Postpartum Thyroiditis In New Mother

Untreated postpartum thyroiditis can lead to several potential health risks, depending on the phase it is in. For instance:

Hyperthyroidism phase:

• May strain the heart, leading to heart-related issues
• Can cause bone loss (osteoporosis), especially with prolonged hyperthyroidism
• Severe cases may result in a life-threatening thyroid storm

Hypothyroidism Phase:

• May lead to long-term fatigue, depression, and weight gain
• Can affect cognitive function, causing memory problems and difficulty concentrating
• Untreated hypothyroidism during pregnancy may have adverse effects on both the mother and the baby
• Severe cases can result in myxedema coma, a life-threatening condition

Dr Deshpande said, “Managing postpartum thyroiditis typically involves symptom management and monitoring, as it often resolves on its own.”

Some ways to deal with the condition include:

• Regular checkups to monitor your thyroid function throughout the postpartum period
• Taking necessary (prescribed) medications; for hyperthyroid phase, beta-blockers and for hypothyroid phase, thyroid hormone replacement medication 
• A balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep 
• Reducing stress through relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises 

In addition, if you’re breastfeeding and taking medication for postpartum thyroiditis, discuss with your healthcare provider to ensure it’s safe for your baby, Dr Deshpande advised, adding, “Continue to have your thyroid function monitored even after the resolution of symptoms, as some women may develop permanent thyroid conditions.”