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Signs & Symptoms of Postpartum Hypothyroidism

Approximately 5 to 10 percent of all women who give birth develop postpartum thyroiditis, according to the University of Virginia Health System. In some cases, this is due to hypothyroidism or a deficiency of thyroid hormones.

  1. Causes

    • After delivery, some women experience thyroiditis, a temporary inflammation of the thyroid gland. In some cases, this results in hypothyroidism, the underproduction of necessary thyroid hormones.

    Time Frame

    • Symptoms of postpartum hypothyroidism tend to develop three to eight months after delivery, according to the University of Virginia Health System.

    Types of Symptoms

    • Typical symptoms of postpartum hypothyroidism include weight gain, voice hoarseness, constipation, a puffy appearance around your face, fatigue and increased sensitivity to cold, according to the Mayo Clinic.

    Signs

    • A routine blood test will show decreased levels of T4, or thyroid hormones, as well as TSH, or thyroid-stimulating hormones.

    Treatment

    • If the symptoms of postpartum hypothyroidism do not improve on their own, doctors typically prescribe medications to replace thyroid hormone levels in order to treat the condition.

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