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Jorge H. Mestman, Robert C. Smallridge, Leonard Wartofsky, Postpartum Thyroiditis, The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, Volume 90, Issue 8, 1 August 2005, Page E2, https://doi.org/10.1210/jcem.90.8.9999
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What is postpartum thyroiditis?
Postpartum thyroiditis is an inflammation of the thyroid gland (located in the neck just below the Adam’s apple). It usually occurs within a year after a woman gives birth. It affects about five out of every 100 women after they deliver a baby. There are usually two phases of the disease - hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
In the usual first phase- hyperthyroidism - the thyroid gland is damaged and releases too much thyroid hormone (T3 and T4) into the blood. This phase usually lasts 2 to 4 months. When the level of these hormones goes up in your blood it causes your metabolism to speed up. (Metabolism is how your body uses and stores energy.) Symptoms can include:
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The thyroid may be damaged for months. If it does not return to normal, it leads to the second phase - hypothyroidism. In this phase the thyroid does not produce enough thyroid hormone. This phase may last up to a year. With a low level of thyroid hormone, your metabolism slows down. Many women with hypothyroidism have a goiter-an enlarged thyroid gland that causes swelling in the front part of the neck. Other symptoms of hypothyroidism can include:
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