The article was consulted professionally by Specialist Doctor II Pham Thi Xuan Minh – Obstetrics and Gynecology Department – Share99 Hai Phong International Health Hub.
Post-birth thyroiditis is a thyroid disorder in women. This is the inflammatory process of the thyroid gland that occurs in the first year after the maternity of childbirth with which the thyroid gland has absolutely no signs of disease. In fact, the disease is not uncommon but is easily confused with post-birth stress or psycho disorders.
1. What is post-birth thyroiditis?
The thyroid gland is a small gland in front of the neck that functions to produce thyroid hormones. These hormones follow blood vessels that travel to parts of the body. Thyroid hormones help control the body's energy use. They affect almost every body in the body. When the thyroid gland produces inappropriate amounts of hormones there will be health problems.
Post-birth thyroiditis is the inflammatory process of the thyroid gland that occurs in the first year after the maternity of childbirth with which the thyroid gland has absolutely no signs of disease.
Women with post-birth thyroiditis usually last several weeks, even months. However, post-birth thyroiditis is difficult to recognize because the symptoms and signs of the disease are often mistaken for stress when having post-birth mood disorders.
Mostly, women with post-birth thyroiditis will return to normal. But for some people, the disease can develop into permanent complications.
2. Causes of post-birth thyroiditis
The exact cause of post-birth thyroiditis is currently unknown. However, women with post-birth thyroiditis often have high levels of anti-thyroid antibodies during early pregnancy and after childbirth.
Therefore, this is evidence that women with post-birth thyroiditis may develop underlying autoimline outbreaks due to fluctuations in immune function. This underlying condition has many similarities with Hashimoto's thyroiditis- the immune system that attacks the thyroid gland.
Some risk factors for post-birth thyroiditis are as follows:
- Auto-immune disorders, such as type 1 diabetes
- History of post-birth thyroiditis
- High concentration of antithyroid antibodies
- History of previous thyroid problems
- Family history is associated with thyroid problems
Several studies to find out the causes and risk factors for post-birth thyroiditis are evaluated as necessary. Besides, there have been several studies that prove the relationship between post-birth thyroiditis and post-birth depression. Therefore, if you suffer from post-birth depression it is advisable to see a doctor to be checked to see if the activity of the thyroid gland changes abnormally.
3. Symptoms of post-birth thyroiditis
In post-birth thyroiditis, the person can go through two stages:
- Inflammation and release of thyroid hormones can first cause mild signs and symptoms similar to overactive thyroid (thyroid), including: anxiety, irritability, tachycardia or chest drumming, unexplained weight loss, increased sensitivity to heat, fatigue, tremors, insomnia. These signs and symptoms usually occur about 1 to 4 months after birth and last from 1 to 3 months.
- In the next stage, the person can make a full recovery or the thyroid gland will be destroyed. The destroyed thyroid gland will become inactive. The condition can also disappear or persist forever throughout life (to remedy this case it is necessary to replace hormones). As thyroid cells become weakened, mild signs and symptoms of poorly functioning thyroid gland(thyroidfailure) may develop, including: lack of energy, increased sensitivity to cold, constipation,dry skin, weight gain, feelings of depression. These signs and symptoms usually begin 4 to 6 months after the symptoms of strengthening are resolved and can last up to 12 months.
However, for some women with post-birth thyroiditis develop symptoms of only overthyroidism or thyroid failure.
4. Complications of post-birth thyroiditis
For most women with post-birth thyroiditis, thyroid function will eventually return to normal. The period usually lasts for 12 to 18 months from the on the onsm of symptoms of the disease. However, some women with post-birth thyroiditis do not recover from the stage of thyroid failure. In this case, the disease of thyroid failure will develop that causes the thyroid gland to not produce enough important hormones for the muscles that perform the function of the body.
5. Prevention of post-birth thyroiditis
Although post-birth thyroiditis cannot be prevented, women can take some measures to take care of themselves in the months after childbirth to prevent the disease, such as: eating properly, regularly exercising to improve health, ensuring sleep and resting properly … If there are any abnormal signs or symptoms after childbirth, do not think that they are associated with stress when caring for babies. See your doctor for timely consultations and advice to help you find a solution to avoid getting serious and causing serious health complications.
Share99 International Health Hub is the address for examination, treatment and prevention of diseases, including obstetrics and gynecology and endo noisities,… When performing the examination process at Share99, customers will be welcomed and used modern facilities and machinery systems accompanied by perfect medical services under the guidance and advice of good doctors, well-trained both at home and abroad.
Dr. Pham Thi Xuan Minh has 30 years of experience in examination and treatment in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology, especially in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology, specializing in handling many serious and difficult surgeries.
Customers can directly go to Share99 Health System nationwide for examination or contact the hotline here for assistance.
Source: mayoclinic.org, hopkinsmedicine.org
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