Hyporthyroidism and Childbirth
Postpartum hypothyroidism is a very common disorder involving women soon after having a baby that’s brought on by an autoimmune condition referred to as lymphocytic thyroiditis. It affects close to 5% of women following giving birth and is thought to be the main reason for postpartum depression.
In lymphocytic thyroiditis, the thyroid glands becomes inflamed due to the infiltration of a white blood cell referred to as lymphocyte. It is assumed to be a consequence of the modification of the immune system necessary for having a baby. It has an initial hyperthyroid phase wherein the thyroid glands creates excessive amounts of thyroid hormones, inducing a radical surge in the metabolism rate. This will result in diarrhea, rapid pulse, feeling overheated, rapid weight loss, difficulty in sleeping, and anxiety.
After the initial hyperthyroid stage, the thyroid either reverts to its usual status or it enters into hypothyroid period. In this condition, the thyroid glands become underactive, creating inadequate thyroid hormones that triggers an abnormal decrease in the metabolism rate. It results in tiredness among new mothers, wherein they will be sleeping at least 14 hours and awaken unrefreshed. This also makes the new mother acquire more pounds even when she is pursuing a rigorous diet and workout strategy. This is because her body cannot properly process the stored calories because of the changes in metabolism. These symptoms can severely impact the psyche of the new mother, possibly causing a postpartum depressed state characterized by lack of interest in the baby, feelings of sadness, a sense of hopelessness, disturbance in appetite, moodswings, feelings of guilt and worthlessness, and anxiety.
Pregnant women who tested positive for antithyroid antibodies have between 33% to 50% probability of having lymphocytic thyroiditis after giving birth to the baby. In addition, several researchers have found that the presence of these antibodies makes a pregnant woman 3 times more likely to obtain postpartum depression. This thyroid issue after pregnancy can be temporary, lasting for approximately six months to a year. In spite of this, approximately one in five of women will develop permanent hypothyroidism that requires life long hormone remedy. This is due to the thyroid glands were too damaged due to the hormonal imbalance or because the maternity activated an underlying condition of autoimmune disorder.