Postpartum Thyroiditis: What New Moms Need to Know About Thyroid Health

While many new moms anticipate sleepless nights and shifting hormones, what they don’t expect is how drastically their thyroid health can change postpartum.

If you’ve been feeling unusually tired, anxious, struggling with weight fluctuations, or experiencing mood swings that don’t quite feel like the “baby blues”, your thyroid might be the culprit. 

Postpartum thyroiditis is a condition that affects 5-10% of women within the first year after giving birth, yet it often goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed as stress, anxiety, or postpartum depression.

So, what is postpartum thyroiditis, and how can you tell if you have it? Let’s break it all down.

What is Postpartum Thyroiditis?

Postpartum thyroiditis is a form of thyroid dysfunction that occurs within 12 months of childbirth. It is an autoimmune condition where the body mistakenly attacks the thyroid, leading to either:

• Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
• Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
• A combination of both, where hyperthyroidism develops first, followed by hypothyroidism

This condition is often temporary, but for some women, it can lead to long-term thyroid dysfunction, including Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or permanent hypothyroidism.

Symptoms of Postpartum Thyroiditis – What does Thyroid Fatigue Feel Like? 

Since the thyroid plays a key role in energy regulation, metabolism, and mood, symptoms of thyroiditis postpartum can vary widely. They also often overlap with normal postpartum recovery, making them easy to dismiss.

If you’re wondering, “What does thyroid fatigue feel like?” or whether your symptoms are linked to postpartum thyroid dysfunction, here are some common signs to watch for:

Phase 1: Hyperthyroidism Symptoms (Overactive Thyroid)

Typically occurs 1-4 months postpartum
🔥 Unexplained weight loss
🔥 Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
🔥 Feeling overly hot or sweating excessively
🔥 Anxiety, nervousness, or irritability
🔥 Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
🔥 Muscle weakness
🔥 Increased appetite

For some women, this phase is short-lived and resolves on its own. But for others, it transitions into hypothyroidism.

Phase 2: Hypothyroidism Symptoms (Underactive Thyroid)

Typically occurs 4-12 months postpartum
🛑 Unexplained weight gain
🛑 Fatigue or extreme exhaustion (even after resting)
🛑 Feeling unusually cold
🛑 Depression, brain fog, or difficulty concentrating
🛑 Dry skin and hair loss
🛑 Constipation
🛑 Low energy and sluggishness

Some women experience only one phase, while others go through both—starting with hyperthyroidism before shifting into hypothyroidism.

Does Postpartum Thyroiditis Go Away?

Many cases of postpartum thyroiditis resolve within 12-18 months. However, 20-40% of women develop long-term hypothyroidism, meaning their thyroid does not fully recover without treatment.

That’s why early diagnosis and monitoring are so important! You don;t have to wait until your symptoms get unbearable. At PPCU, we are big proponents of taking a proactive approach to your health. If you think you may be experiencing any of the thyroiditis symptoms listed above, be sure to join our next workshop where we walk you through how to defeat your postpartum symptoms naturally. 

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When to Check Thyroid Levels After Pregnancy

If you’ve been feeling “off” postpartum, it’s a good idea to get your thyroid checked—especially if you’re experiencing fatigue, mood swings, or weight changes that don’t seem to improve.

Doctors recommend checking thyroid levels postpartum at:

• 6 weeks postpartum (if you had thyroid issues during pregnancy)
• 3-6 months postpartum (if you’re experiencing symptoms)
• 1 year postpartum (to rule out long-term dysfunction)

A thyroid panel will measure:

• TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone) – tells the thyroid how much hormone to produce
• Free T4 & Free T3 – active thyroid hormones that regulate metabolism
• Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) Antibodies – markers of autoimmune thyroid disease

If you’ve been feeling unusually exhausted, anxious, or sluggish, it’s worth getting a full thyroid panel—not just a TSH test. 

Your PCP or OBGYN may not be trained on how to properly read these more in-depth labs so it’s absolutely worth it to work with experts in postpartum care like Postpartum Care USA. 

We also see women who are up to 10 years postpartum and have a 100% guarantee that we will find the cause of your symptoms or you get your money back. 

Postpartum Thyroiditis Diagnosis & Treatment

How is Postpartum Thyroiditis Diagnosed?

Diagnosis is based on:
🩸 Blood tests measuring thyroid hormone levels
📋 Symptoms & medical history
🔬 TPO antibody levels (to detect autoimmune thyroid disease)

Since symptoms overlap with postpartum depression, anxiety, and general fatigue, thyroid issues are often overlooked. If you suspect postpartum thyroid dysfunction, be proactive and get thyroid testing from PPCU. Our nurse practitioners treat postpartum thyroiditis nearly every day, so we know exactly what to look for! 

Postpartum Thyroiditis Treatment

Treatment depends on whether you’re in the hyperthyroid or hypothyroid phase and how severe your symptoms are.

For Hyperthyroidism:

• Mild cases may not require treatment and can resolve on their own.
• If symptoms are severe, doctors may prescribe beta-blockers to manage heart rate and anxiety.
• Dietary changes
• Other natural treatments include: lowering your stress, improving the quality and quantity of your sleep, balancing blood sugar levels, adequate vitamin and mineral supplementation. 

For Hypothyroidism:

• Levothyroxine (Synthroid) may be prescribed for low thyroid hormone levels
• Nutritional support can help balance hormones (more on that below!)

If symptoms persist beyond a year postpartum, you may require long-term thyroid management.

Natural Ways to Support Your Thyroid Postpartum

While medication may be necessary in some cases, lifestyle changes can also help support thyroid function.

Here are some key ways to balance your thyroid naturally:

Optimize Your Nutrition

Your thyroid needs key nutrients to function properly, including:

• Selenium – Found in Brazil nuts, eggs, and fish (helps reduce inflammation)
• Iodine – Found in seaweed, dairy, and iodized salt (crucial for hormone production)
•  Zinc – Found in meat, shellfish, and seeds (supports immune health)
• Omega-3s – Found in salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds (reduces inflammation)

Reduce Stress & Support Your Adrenals

Chronic stress can worsen thyroid dysfunction. Try:

• Deep breathing & meditation
• Gentle movement like yoga or walking
• Prioritizing sleep & rest

Limit Processed Foods & Inflammatory Triggers

• Avoid ultra-processed foods, sugar, and refined carbs
• Limit caffeine & alcohol, which can stress the thyroid

Get Regular Thyroid Checkups

 If you’ve been diagnosed with postpartum thyroiditis, follow up with your doctor to track your levels and adjust treatment if needed.

Final Thoughts: Listen to Your Body, Mama! 

If you think you have postpartum thyroiditis, PPCU can help! 

If you’re feeling more exhausted than usual, struggling with mood swings, or noticing unexplained weight changes, trust your instincts. Postpartum thyroiditis is real, and it’s not just in your head.

The good news? You don’t have to suffer in silence.

🌟 Ask for thyroid testing if you’re experiencing symptoms
🌟 Prioritize self-care & nutrition to support healing
🌟 Know that recovery is possible!

Have questions? We’re here to help. Book a virtual health assessment with one of our providers today and take the first step toward feeling better. 

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