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Understanding Postpartum Thyroiditis

https://www.crystalrunhealthcare.com/specialties/endocrinology | Postpartum thyroiditis, or PPT, is inflammation of the thyroid gland that happens after some women give birth.<br>

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Understanding Postpartum Thyroiditis

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  1. POSTPARTUM THYROIDITIS UNDERSTANDING

  2. What Is Postpartum Thyroiditis? Postpartum thyroiditis, or PPT, is inflammation of the thyroid gland that happens after some women give birth. The postpartum hormone timeline first causes blood thyroid hormone levels to rise 1 to 6 months following delivery, and then to fall between 4 and 8 months following delivery. Some women may experience symptoms, while others may not. The condition may also resolve on its own within 12 months after childbirth. Permanent dysfunction of the thyroid gland may also occur in some women. In these cases, treatment and testing can be ongoing.

  3. Who Gets Postpartum Thyroiditis? PPT occurs in 5 to 10 percent of women in the United States, with certain risk factors including: • Family history of thyroid problems • Existing autoimmune conditions • Existing type 1 diabetes • Individual history of thyroid dysfunction • Previous pregnancies that resulted in the development of PPT • Present thyroid antibodies prior to becoming pregnant

  4. Causes of Postpartum Thyroiditis Although it isn’t not known what causes PPT, women who have positive antithyroid antibodies have a far higher risk of developing PPT than women who do not.

  5. Symptoms of Postpartum Thyroiditis The symptoms of PPT during the thyrotoxic state include: • Postpartum fatigue • Heat intolerance • Heart palpitations • Irritability Hypothyroidism and pregnancy typically result in women experiencing: • Cold intolerance • Dry skin • Constipation • Concentration problems • A prickling, tingling, numbness or burning feeling in the skin (paresthesia)

  6. How Is Postpartum Thyroiditis Diagnosed? Blood testing for thyroid hormone levels will reveal which stage of PPT a woman may be in. Once the stage has been determined, further testing for that stage may occur. A provider will also consult the patient about their symptom history.

  7. How Is Postpartum Thyroiditis Treated? Treatment for postpartum thyroiditis depends on the stage a woman is experiencing as well as the severity of her symptoms. Women having mild symptoms are typically monitored, and only prescribed medication if they begin to experience worsening symptoms.

  8. How Is Postpartum Thyroiditis Treated? If diagnosed as being in the hyperthyroid state with intense symptoms, pharmaceutical interventions like beta-blockers will typically be prescribed for symptom reduction. Inflammation of the thyroid gland may be treated with prednisone steroids. Hypothyroidism is typically treated with hormone replacement therapy (HRT). A common pharmaceutical intervention is levothyroxine, which replaces or supplies the body with needed thyroid hormone. High-selenium foods, such as rice, eggs, pasta and oatmeal may also be suggested, as selenium can lower thyroid inflammation.

  9. The Latest PPT Treatment and Therapy Postpartum thyroiditis can occur in women with certain risk factors, and may or may not disappear readily. The endocrinology department at Crystal Run Healthcare specializes in the treatment of thyroid disorders like postpartum thyroiditis. Visit our website to discover more about our leading endocrinologists, and how they improve lives.

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