Postpartum Thyroiditis
In the same way babies can be affected with congential hypothyroidism, mothers of the newborns can be affected too. Postpartum thyroiditis is the inflammation of the gland for about a year after giving birth.
There are 2 stages of postpartum thyroiditis. The first stage is hyperthyroidism that lasts about 2 to 4 months. The second phase is hypothyroidism that lasts for about 12 months. Inflammation from this condition can oftentimes damage the thyroid gland, making it less productive at making hormones. Doctors often prescribe a thyroid hormone replacement therapy to aid women through the second phase. However, the therapy doesn’t always reverse the hypothyroidism, and the condition can become permanent, resulting in lifelong treatment.
