Thyroid disorders explained

Thyroid disorders and pregnancy
As thyroid disorders are much more common in women, there may be problems or concerns associated with pregnancy.

Hypothyroidism and pregnancy There are a number of things to note about hypothyroidism and pregnancy:

Hyperthyroidism and pregnancy
Factors concerning hyperthyroidism that affect pregnancy include:

Postpartum thyroiditis
One in every 20 women develop an inflammation of the thyroid tissue a few months after delivery of a baby, and this condition is known as postpartum thyroiditis. The cause is not known, but it could be due to a rebounding of the immune system after the birth of a child. Levels of antithyroid antibodies are at their highest five to seven months postpartum, and don't return to normal until about one year.

This condition may cause hyperthyroidism followed by temporary hypothyroidism. It is easy for the symptoms to be missed in a new mother who will probably already be tired, sleepless and anxious.