What Is Postpartum Thyroiditis?

Q: What Is Postpartum Thyroiditis?

Postpartum thyroiditis affects 5-10% of women after childbirth. Starts with hyperthyroid phase (1-4 months), then hypothyroid phase (4-8 months). 80% recover within 12 months.

Postpartum thyroiditis is inflammation of the thyroid after childbirth, affecting 5–10% of women in the first year postpartum.

Phases

Phase 1 (1–4 months): Hyperthyroidism — thyroid releases stored hormone
Phase 2 (4–8 months): Hypothyroidism — depleted thyroid
Recovery (by 12 months): 80% return to normal thyroid function

Risk Factors

Positive anti-TPO antibodies
Previous postpartum thyroiditis
Family history of thyroid disease

Treatment

Hyperthyroid phase: beta-blockers if symptomatic (no antithyroid drugs needed)
Hypothyroid phase: levothyroxine if symptomatic
20% develop permanent hypothyroidism

Source: American Thyroid Association, NLM MedlinePlus.

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