We know that the journey to motherhood is a beautiful, complex, rewarding but sometimes challenging experience. Throughout there are many changes that impact the body. One condition that isn’t as widely discussed, but we see more often in our clinic is postpartum thyroiditis.
The thyroid produces hormones that regulate your body's metabolism, cellular function and cardiovascular and digestive health. Postpartum thyroiditis (PPT) is an autoimmune disease occurring in the first year after delivery in about 5% of women without a history of thyroid disease before pregnancy. In postpartum thyroiditis, the thyroid initially releases too many hormones (hyperthyroidism), followed by a period of underactivity (hypothyroidism).
The main reasons postpartum thyroiditis gets missed is due to there not being enough screening completed postpartum, and most of the symptoms being labeled as “normal” in the postpartum period. The symptoms initially present as anxiety, irritability, rapid heartbeat, and unexplained weight loss - which are all very common in breastfeeding and postpartum. However other not-so-common symptoms may be tremors and sensitivity to heat. These symptoms are typically followed by weight gain, fatigue, depression, constipation, dry skin, muscle weakness, and sensitivity to cold.
If you suspect you may have postpartum thyroiditis, or a thyroid condition in general what do you do?
First things first, TEST TEST TEST!
It is important to not only test your TSH, but all markers, including T4, T3, and your thyroid antibodies. It is so important to get a full thyroid panel postpartum to ensure not only you have an accurate understanding of thyroid function markers, but also an understanding of any potential autoimmune contributors.
Once we have your thyroid panel it is time to support you accordingly with herbs, supplements, and dietary guidance.
- Herbs including: Lemon balm, Rehmannia, Turmeric, Motherwort, Echinacea, Hemidesmus, Withania, Rhodiola. Our naturopaths will blend the most supportive combination for you, ensuring all areas necessary are being supported as not herbal treatments need to be uniquely tailored to each individual
- Supplements: Selenium, Iodine, B vitamins, Inositol, Omega-3, Magnesium, SPM’s.
- Dietary changes: Focus on increasing anti-inflammatory foods to minimise inflammation in the body and support your gut. Gluten is best avoided in the diet where there is any autoimmune component!
Please ensure you DO NOT self-prescribe, especially considering how sensitive the thyroid is in postpartum thyroiditis. Always work with a health practitioner before starting any supplements!
RETEST!!
This is essential for ensuring everything has come back into balance correctly. Hormones can be a tricky thing so retesting allows us to track progress, and adjust dosages accordingly. Thyroid levels change with various factors so retesting also allows us to see a more accurate picture of your thyroid and overall health to work from the route cause of your symptoms.
Remember, optimising your health will in turn support the health of your beautiful newborn and your family. Postpartum health can come with many challenges so it is vital that you seek support from your healthcare practitioners during this time!
