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Postpartum Thyroiditis

Signs, Symptoms and Treatment of PPT

By Shannon McKelden

PPT generally follows the pattern of hyperthyroidism followed by hypothyroidism, which seems to be the way McShane's thyroiditis played out. However, there can be a few variables, according to Dr. Susan S. Shi, OB/GYN at The Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas. "Postpartum thyroiditis usually presents in one of three ways: transient [temporary] hyperthyroidism alone, transient hypothyroidism alone or transient hyperthyroidism followed by hypothyroidism and then recovery," she says.

While the symptoms of PPT may be annoying, they aren't fatal and often require no treatment at all.

"Most patients with postpartum thyroiditis won't require any treatment except for medical evaluation and reassurance," Dr. Powrie says. "The condition tends to get better on its own over time." He does add that more severe cases may require a beta blocker to alleviate symptoms during the hyperthyroid phase and some thyroid replacement therapy during the hypothyroid phase. "This is the exception rather than the rule," he says.

Both Venner and McShane were given Synthroid as treatment for the hypothyroid phase of the postpartum thyroiditis. For McShane, the symptoms eventually disappeared. "I took the medication for a short while, and after about a year my body started to naturally balance itself out," she says. "I was able to go off the medication and no longer have the symptoms of thyroiditis."

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• Mom's Postpartum Health: Why New Moms Need Doctor Visits Too
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• Gestational Trophoblastic Disease: Defining GTD and One Woman's Triumph Over the Illness
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