PPT Treatment

PPT is an abbreviation for postpartum thyroiditis, a condition that causes the thyroid gland to swell after childbirth. It is characterized by the symptoms that accompany an overactive and under active thyroid, such as sudden weight loss or gain, fatigue, nervousness, constipation, and rapid heart beat. The treatment for PPT varies, depending on the phase and severity of the condition.

PPT Phases

• Patients with PPT may experience two phases of the condition and each phase warrants a different treatment. The first phase, early in the condition, involves symptoms of hyperthyroidism---an overactive thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism---an underactive thyroid---develops as the condition progresses.

Hyperthyroid Treatment

• Radioactive iodine, an essential mineral that helps the thyroid function properly, is prescribed to help prevent the gland from producing an excessive amount of hormone. Beta blockers may also be prescribed to alleviate heart palpitations and tremors.

Hypothyroid Treatment

• During the hypothyroid phase, a synthetic thyroid hormone, such as levothyroxine, is sometimes prescribed to help correct the imbalance of thyroid hormones. Generally, this hormone is taken once daily for six months. If the patient's thyroid is still underactive after hormone therapy, the condition may be permanent. Accordingly, the patient may have to take a hormone pill, once a day, indefinitely.

Exceptions

• Some patients with PPT improve over time without treatment. In such cases, the patient's physician may nevertheless schedule regular physical evaluations to monitor the patient's condition.