Postpartum thyroiditis is one of the most common autoimmune conditions that affects new mothers. This causes mom’s immune system to attack her thyroid causing tissue destruction. Unfortunately, birth can trigger the onset of new autoimmune conditions that you may not have experienced before. You are at a greater chance of developing postpartum thyroiditis if you have a history of Hashimoto’s or postpartum thyroiditis or have ever tested positive for anti-thyroid peroxidase or anti-thyroglobulin antibodies.
In many cases, this condition resolves during your first year postpartum. However it will persist in 20% of women and may progress to Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Symptoms
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Dry skin
- Hair loss
- Weight gain
- Difficulty losing weight
- Cold intolerance
- Memory loss
- Brain fog
- Headache
- Constipation
- Muscles aches
- Joint pain
- Reduced breast milk supply
Many of the symptoms listed above are common during the early postpartum period, but please let your healthcare provider know if something feels out of the ordinary or prolonged. Having an under active thyroid can also lengthen your postpartum recovery time leading to further postpartum depletion.
Unfortunately, diagnosis is usually delayed because postpartum bloodwork is rare. As a result, prolonged symptoms of depression, exhaustion and musculoskeletal symptoms are passed off as “normal postpartum complaints.” But just because something is common, doesn’t mean it’s “normal.”
There is a vast amount of support to help you during your pregnancy and early postpartum period. Together, Dr. Sarah Tirimacco, Dr. Caitlin Simpson and Dr. Rachel Stummer vow to do more for the postpartum patients in the office. If you have been experiencing some of the symptoms listed above, schedule an appointment with one of them today.
