Postpartum Thyroiditis

Question 1

Postpartum Thyroiditis

Answer 1

Changes in thyroid function within 12 months of delivery, affecting women without a history of thyroid disease

Can be hyper or hypothyroidism

Question 2

Course of postpartum thyroid disease

Answer 2

Over time the thyroid function returns to normal, and the patient will become asymptomatic again

Question 3

Stages of postpartum thyroiditis

Answer 3

1. Thyrotoxicosis (usually in the first three months)
2. Hypothyroid (usually from 3 – 6 months)
3. Thyroid function gradually returns to normal (usually within one year)

Question 4

The signs and symptoms of thyrotoxicosis

Answer 4

Anxiety and irritability
Sweating and heat intolerance
Tachycardia
Weight loss
Fatigue
Frequent loose stools

Question 5

Signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism

Answer 5

Weight gain
Fatigue
Dry skin
Coarse hair and hair loss
Low mood
Fluid retention (oedema, pleural effusions, ascites)
Heavy or irregular periods
Constipation

Question 6

Investigations

Answer 6

Bloods - TFTs within 6 - 8 weeks after delivery

Question 7

Management of postpartum thyroiditis

Answer 7

Thyrotoxicosis - symptomatic control such as propranolol

Hypothyroidism: levothyroxine

Question 8

Monitoring of postpartum thyroiditis

Answer 8

Require annual monitoring of thyroid function tests