WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for August, 1999: Re: Post Partum Thyroiditis

Re: Post Partum Thyroiditis

From: D. Ashley Hill, M.D. (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Sat, 7 Aug 1999 19:24:55 -0500 (CDT)

Messages sorted by: [ date ][ thread ][ subject ][ author ]
Next message: anne: "how short is a too short luteal phase?"
Previous message: dbb: "fotgot something"
In reply to: Marie: "Post Partum Thyroiditis"

At Fri, 6 Aug 1999, Marie wrote: >
>I developed the following symptoms 5 months post-partum with my first
>child: trembling hands, hair loss, painful/swollen hands, and hot
>flashes.
>Thyroid stimulating hormone: low (<0.1)
>T3 uptake: high (39)
>t4 uptake: high (14)
>Free T4 index (T7): high (5.5)

Postpartum thyroiditis occurs in about 5% of postpartum women, usually within 3-8 months after delivery. Usually, there is hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) followed later by a return to normal. However, about 1/3 of patients with this will go on to have chronic low thyroid levels (hypothyroidism), so monitoring of thyroid levels is important.

Because this is usually caused by temporary damage to the thyroid gland, and not antibody formation as in some types of thyroid conditions, PTU is generally not indicated. A class of blood pressure medications called "beta blockers" is instead used to block symptoms like trembling and palpitations. After a while, the symptoms resolve, and the medication can be stopped. Of course, each case is unique, so evaluation by a doctor is important. Many doctors can diagnose and treat this, including internal medicine doctors (internists), family physicians, ob/gyns and endocrinologists. Also, you would not usually need to stop breast feeding with beta blockers.

Since you have many questions, I would bring this up with your doctor. Congratulations on your baby, and best of luck.

-- Ashley Hill David Ashley Hill, M.D. Associate Director Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Florida Hospital Family Practice Residency Orlando, FL http://home.mpinet.net/dahmd

The above is intended for general medical education, and is not for specific medical advice. I apologize, but I am unable to answer personal e-mail due to time constraints.

Next message: anne: "how short is a too short luteal phase?"
Previous message: dbb: "fotgot something"
In reply to: Marie: "Post Partum Thyroiditis"

Women's Insurance Checklist from Auto Insurance Quote

use when must restrict search to only the women's health forum...
Enter search keywords:
	Returns per screen: Require all keywords: