Giving birth promises exciting changes for the new mother. However, one annoying change that may come with motherhood is a condition called postpartum thyroiditis, which is the inflammation of the thyroid gland. Although painless and temporary, this maternal illness may be bothersome because of the symptoms. In United States at least 5% to 10% of the women suffer from post partum thyroiditis. The risk increases in women having auto immune disorders, previous history of thyroid dysfunction, or family history of thyroid problems.
Symptoms Of Postpartum Thyroiditis
While a woman is pregnant, her thyroid glands become overly active and as a result, release so much thyroid hormone into her bloodstream.
The following symptoms then manifest:
- Having an enlarged thyroid gland
- Being fatigued, nervous and irritable
- Having rapid heartbeat
- Unable to concentrate
- Tremors in the hands
- Feeling of weakening of muscles
- Drastic weight loss
- Depressed and mood swings
- Having poor memory
- Constipation problem
- Muscle cramps
- Difficulty in losing weight
- Developing a hoarse voice
- Increased sensitivity to cold
This condition typically begins 3 to 8 months after delivery.
Treatment For Postpartum Thyroiditis
Doctors may prescribe different treatments depending upon the severity of the condition. Health care may include one or two of the following treatments:
- Taking beta blockers. It is useful during the toxic phase. This medication decreases palpitations and reduces trembling of the hands and limbs. As the patient gets better, this medication is slowly tapered off. Anti-thyroid medicine are not used during this phase because there is no over activity of the thyroid gland.
- Undergoing thyroid hormone replacement. Taking hormonal pills may last for a maximum of one year, depending on the severity of the condition. The treatment is used in hypothyroid phase.
- Mild cases of the illness do not require any treatment.
80% of patients who suffer from postpartum thyroiditis condition may need to endure the symptoms for a maximum of two months, or until supply of the thyroid hormone would settle into normal levels.