Understanding post-partum thyroid flares

If you have a thyroid condition, you might know about the risk of post-partum thyroid flares. But anyone can experience this - even if you’ve never had a problem with your thyroid function before!

Let’s take a closer look at post-partum thyroid flares and how they are best handled.

What is a post-partum thyroid flare?

A post-partum thyroid flare (also known as post-partum thyroiditis) is when you experience inflammation in the thyroid gland within 12 months after giving birth.

This can result in thyroid-related symptoms such as:

  • Weight loss or weight gain

  • Intolerance to cold or hot temperatures

  • Fatigue

  • Depression and anxiety

  • Slow or rapid heartbeat

  • Digestive changes such as constipation or diarrhoea

Although the condition is usually temporary, you will have a higher risk of developing ‘permanent’ thyroid disease. Your doctor may recommend yearly thyroid function tests to monitor for this.

Why do post-partum thyroid flares happen?

There are a lot of physiological changes that occur throughout pregnancy, and the thyroid is no exception. Your thyroid increases in volume and function to accommodate your growing baby. There are also other hormonal shifts that have knock-on effects for the thyroid gland and immune system.

After birth, the rush of female hormones can trigger inflammation in the thyroid gland. This can lead to an increase in thyroid antibodies and result in a flare.

This flare causes the thyroid to swell and can throw off the rate of thyroid hormone production. In most cases, this begins as producing too much thyroid hormone - hyperthyroidism - but can develop into too little - hypothyroidism - afterwards.

The medical approach to post-partum thyroid issues

When your doctor diagnoses your post-partum thyroid condition, they may prescribe medication. The type depends on whether you’re producing too much or too little thyroid hormone.

If you have hyperthyroidism, you may be given beta-blockers to reduce your heart rate and relieve symptoms. If you have hypothyroidism, you may be given thyroxine to increase your levels.

However, as post-partum thyroiditis is considered to be transient, you may receive no treatment at all. If your symptoms are mild and your levels are not significantly out of range, your doctor may choose to monitor your condition.

How to approach it holistically

The conventional medical approach is quite limited. So how can you work on alleviating your symptoms and settling your thyroid? That’s where a more holistic approach to managing post-partum thyroiditis can make all the difference.

You’ll want to look at steps such as:

  • Eating a nutrient-dense diet that contains plenty of thyroid supportive nutrients

  • Avoiding food intolerances that could increase inflammation

  • Getting as much sleep as possible - even if it means asking a friend to babysit while you nap!

  • Incorporating some stress management techniques to keep your body and mind calm

  • Checking for any nutrient deficiencies or other underlying causes that could exacerbate your inflammation and thyroid dysfunction

It’s also important to consider your risk of future thyroid disease. Start by educating yourself about the basics of thyroid health and an underactive thyroid.

Want to learn more about managing hypothyroidism?

Make sure you grab a copy of my hypothyroidism & Hashimoto’s ebook here.