What is postpartum thyroiditis?
Postpartum thyroiditis is inflammation of the thyroid gland, the butterfly-shaped gland in the front of your neck that regulates your metabolism and other bodily functions. It is an autoimmune condition that occurs when antibodies produced by your immune system attack your thyroid.
The thyroid is like the body’s thermostat, helping to regulate your temperature. It also helps the body use energy and regulates the function of your heart, brain, muscles and other organs. Postpartum thyroiditis disrupts thyroid function and can cause either hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid).
How common is postpartum thyroiditis?
Postpartum thyroiditis develops within the first year after childbirth and affects about 5 to 10% of women in the US. In rare cases, it can also develop after a miscarriage.
Postpartum thyroiditis symptoms
When your thyroid becomes inflamed, it releases excess thyroid hormones into your bloodstream, leading to hyperthyroidism. You may experience no symptoms or any of the signs associated with an overactive thyroid.
After this initial phase, you might fully recover, or your thyroid could be damaged, potentially becoming underactive. This underactive state could be temporary or permanent, requiring lifelong hormone replacement. Symptoms may be different for each person and may include:
Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
For some women with postpartum thyroiditis, the first phase will be an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) that will typically start within the first four months after childbirth and may last up to three months.
Not everyone in this phase has noticeable symptoms, but symptoms can include:
- Feeling anxious or irritable
- Feeling overheated
- Heart racing or palpitations
- Insomnia
- Some weight loss
Many women may overlook the symptoms of hyperthyroidism, attributing them to the stress of adjusting to taking care of a new baby while trying to balance other life responsibilities.
Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
The second phase is usually the underactive thyroid (hypothyroid) phase, which typically begins four to eight months after childbirth and may last up to a year, though the duration varies by person. Symptoms are more common in this phase, and women in the hypothyroid phase may experience:
- Constipation
- Depression
- Difficulty exercising
- Dry skin
- Fatigue
- Feeling cold
- Hair loss
- Muscle pain
- Not producing enough breast milk
- Weight gain
Most women will return to normal thyroid functioning within the first 18 months after symptoms start, but about 20 to 30% of women will remain in a hypothyroid state and require lifelong treatment for hypothyroidism.
When to see a doctor
See your OBGYN if you feel tired or experience mood changes. Women with postpartum thyroiditis may think they have the “baby blues” when their symptoms are actually caused by a thyroid condition. Symptoms of postpartum thyroiditis can also mimic those of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease, or other thyroid-related conditions.
Causes of postpartum thyroiditis
Postpartum thyroiditis occurs when anti-thyroid antibodies mistakenly attack your thyroid gland, causing inflammation. Normally, antibodies protect your body by fighting off germs, but in this case, they attack the thyroid. This process is similar to what happens in Hashimoto’s disease, the most common type of thyroiditis.
The exact cause of this antibody attack after pregnancy is still being researched. One theory suggests that an undiagnosed underlying autoimmune condition before pregnancy may increase your likelihood of developing postpartum thyroiditis.
Postpartum thyroiditis risk factors
You’re more likely to develop postpartum thyroiditis if you have:
- Antithyroid antibodies before pregnancy
- Type 1 diabetes
- Personal history of thyroid problems
- Family history of thyroid issues
- Other autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis
How is postpartum thyroiditis diagnosed?
Generally, your OBGYN can diagnose postpartum thyroiditis with a blood test. They may first start with a physical exam to see if you have any signs and symptoms of thyroid disease. They may examine your thyroid by feeling your thyroid gland and having you swallow.
To diagnose the condition, you will likely have blood tests to check for any markers of thyroid disease, including TSH, free T4, T3 and thyroid antibodies.
Postpartum thyroiditis treatment
Most women experience mild symptoms and don’t need treatment unless their symptoms worsen. If your symptoms are severe, prescription medications may be necessary. If you’re breastfeeding, inform your provider so they can recommend safe medications for you and your baby.
Treatment varies based on whether you have hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism:
- Hyperthyroidism: Medications like corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone) reduce inflammation, while beta-blockers help manage the effects of excess thyroid hormones. Antithyroid medications are not used because the hyperthyroidism is due to inflammation, not hormone overproduction, found in conditions such as Graves’ disease.
- Hypothyroidism: You’ll likely need thyroid hormone replacement therapy for six months to a year, with the possibility of tapering off as your thyroid normalizes.
Your healthcare provider will monitor your thyroid levels throughout treatment.
Find a specialized care for postpartum thyroiditis
We help you get care at a location that fits your needs. We offer several locations for your care, including specialized postpartum thyroiditis centers in North and Central Texas.
AccentCare - Fort Worth
3880 Hulen St , Fort Worth, TX, 76107
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Idabel, OK
4 SE Avenue A , Idabel, OK, 74745
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Mt Pleasant (Satellite)
1011 N Jefferson Ave , Mt Pleasant, TX, 75455
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Paris
875 S Collegiate Dr , Paris, TX, 75462
Baylor Scott & White Cardiac Surgery - Longview
906 Judson Rd , Longview, TX, 75601
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Longview
906 Judson Rd , Longview, TX, 75601
Baylor Scott & White Liver Consultants of Texas - Longview
906 Judson Rd , Longview, TX, 75601
- Monday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Sulphur Springs
601 Airport Rd Ste 110, Sulphur Springs, TX, 75482
Baylor Scott & White North Texas Colon and Rectal Associates - Sulphur Springs
601 Airport Rd Ste 110, Sulphur Springs, TX, 75482
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Tyler
1321 S Beckham Ave , Tyler, TX, 75701
Baylor Scott & White Center for Advanced Surgery - Tyler
1321 S Beckham Ave , Tyler, TX, 75701
Baylor Scott & White Center for Thoracic Surgery - Tyler
1321 S Beckham Ave , Tyler, TX, 75702
Baylor Scott & White Liver Consultants of Texas - Tyler
1321 S Beckham Ave , Tyler, TX, 75701
Baylor Scott & White North Texas Colon and Rectal Associates - Tyler
1321 S Beckham Ave , Tyler, TX, 75701
Baylor Scott & White Cardiac Surgery - Tyler
1321 S Beckham Ave , Tyler, TX, 75701
Touchstone Imaging Tyler
2019 Old Troup Hwy , Tyler, TX, 75701
Baylor Scott & White Texas Spine & Joint Hospital
1814 Roseland Blvd Ste 100, Tyler, TX, 75701
Glen Oaks Hospital
301 Division St , Greenville, TX, 75401
Baylor Scott & White Surgical Hospital - Sherman
3601 N Calais St , Sherman, TX, 75090
Baylor Scott & White Urgent Care+ Sherman
4028 N Hwy 75 , Sherman, TX, 75090
- Monday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Saturday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Sunday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Texas Spine & Joint Hospital Urgent Care - Tyler
8101 S Broadway Ave , Tyler, TX, 75703
- Monday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Saturday: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cardiology Consultants of Texas - Greenville
4400 Interstate 30 W Ste 300, Greenville, TX, 75402
- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care Associates - Greenville
4400 Interstate 30 W Ste 100, Greenville, TX, 75402
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care Associates Pediatrics - Greenville
4400 Interstate 30 W Ste 110, Greenville, TX, 75402
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Gastroenterology - Greenville
4400 Interstate 30 W Ste 300, Greenville, TX, 75402
Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic Associates of Dallas - Greenville
4400 Interstate 30 W Ste 300, Greenville, TX, 75402
Baylor Scott & White Imaging Center - Greenville
4400 Interstate 30 W Ste 200, Greenville, TX, 75402
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Outpatient Rehabilitation - Greenville
4400 Interstate 30 W Ste 120, Greenville, TX, 75402
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Endoscopy Center - Sherman
1615 US-75 Ste B, Sherman, TX, 75090
Sherman Endoscopy Center
1615 N Hwy 75 , Sherman, TX, 75090
Baylor Scott & White Women's Care & Continence Center - Sherman
260 E Evergreen St , Sherman, TX, 75090
- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Sherman Sycamore (Satellite)
203 E Sycamore St , Sherman, TX, 75090
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Group - Sherman
230 E Sycamore St Ste 205, Sherman, TX, 75090
Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - Sherman
230 E Sycamore St Ste 205, Sherman, TX, 75090
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care – Sherman Highland (Satellite)
300 N Highland Ave , Sherman, TX, 75092
Baylor Scott & White Digestive Diseases Group - Sherman
204 Medical Dr Ste 240, Sherman, TX, 75092
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care - Van Alstyne
250 N Collin McKinney Pkwy , Van Alstyne, TX, 75495
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation - Anna
601 S. Ferguson Pkwy Ste 100, Anna, TX, 75409
Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation - Royse City
594 W Interstate 30 , Royse City, TX, 75189
- Monday: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Friday: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Care - Anna
450 N Standridge Blvd , Anna, TX, 75409
Baylor Scott & White Digestive Diseases Group - Anna
450 N Standridge Blvd Ste 104, Anna, TX, 75409
Baylor Scott & White Texas Cardiac Associates - Royse City
6257 FM 2642 Blvd Ste 100, Royse City, TX, 75189
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care Associates - Royse City
6257 FM 2642 Blvd Ste 100, Royse City, TX, 75189
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Surgical Institute - Royse City
6257 FM 2642 Blvd Ste 100, Royse City, TX, 75189
- Monday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation - McKinney Red Bud
1705 W University Dr Ste 119, McKinney, TX, 75069
Baylor Scott & White Institute For Rehabilitation - McKinney Lake Forest
1705 W University Dr Ste 119, McKinney, TX, 75069
Baylor Scott & White Institute For Rehabilitation - McKinney University
1705 W University Dr Ste 119, McKinney, TX, 75069
Heritage Eye Center
1501 Redbud Blvd , McKinney, TX, 75069
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital - McKinney
5268 W University Dr , McKinney, TX, 75071