Postpartum thyroiditis history and symptoms

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Sunny Kumar MD [2]

Overview

The majority of patients with postpartum thyroiditis (PPT) are asymptomatic. The hallmark of PPT is lassitude (lack of energy). A positive history of fatigue and depression is suggestive of PPT. The most common symptoms of PPT include depression, fatigue, and anxiety.

History and Symptoms

History and symptoms of postpartum thyroiditis include: ^[1]^[2]^[3]

The majority of patients with PPT are asymptomatic.
The hallmark of PPT is lassitude (lack of energy).
A positive history of fatigue and depression is suggestive of PPT.
The most common symptoms of PPT include:
Symptoms of PPT may be observed after delivery of baby, abortion, or miscarriage.

History

Various findings in the history of patients with PPT depend on the clinical stage of PPT. Two possible clinical stages include:

Transient Hyperthyroidism

Patients with transient hyperthyroidism stage of PPT are mostly under diagnosed and develops symptoms around one to four months median period 13th postpartum week and they stay for two to three months which may include a positive history of:

Lack of energy
Anxiety
Tremors
Palpitation
Unexplained weight loss
Insomnia
Increased sensitivity to heat
Loose stool

Transient or permanent Hypothyroidism

Patients with transient hypothyroidism stage of PPT develops profound symptoms compared to hyperthyroid symtoms around fourth postpartum month median period 19th week and they stay for sixth postpartum month which may include a positive history of:

Lack of energy
Increased sensitivity to cold
Constipation
Dry skin
Difficulty concentrating
Aches and pains
Carpel tunnel syndrome
Weight gain
Changes in voice
Decreased milk production

Symptoms

The symptoms of postpartum thyroiditis can be divided into common and less common symptoms.

Common Symptoms

Common symptoms of PPT include:

Less Common Symptoms

Less common symptoms of PPT include:

References

↑ Stagnaro-Green A (2012). “Approach to the patient with postpartum thyroiditis”. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 97 (2): 334–42. doi:10.1210/jc.2011-2576. PMID 22312089.
↑ Stagnaro-Green A (2004). “Postpartum thyroiditis”. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab. 18 (2): 303–16. doi:10.1016/j.beem.2004.03.008. PMID 15157842.
↑ Stagnaro-Green A (2000). “Recognizing, understanding, and treating postpartum thyroiditis”. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. 29 (2): 417–30, ix. PMID 10874538.

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[pmid22312089-1] Stagnaro-Green A (2012). “Approach to the patient with postpartum thyroiditis”. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 97 (2): 334–42. doi:10.1210/jc.2011-2576. PMID 22312089.

[pmid15157842-2] Stagnaro-Green A (2004). “Postpartum thyroiditis”. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab. 18 (2): 303–16. doi:10.1016/j.beem.2004.03.008. PMID 15157842.

[pmid10874538-3] Stagnaro-Green A (2000). “Recognizing, understanding, and treating postpartum thyroiditis”. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. 29 (2): 417–30, ix. PMID 10874538.

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