Do you also feel this strange change after giving birth? Let's learn about Postpartum Thyroiditis Sinhala!

Feeling tired after having a baby, sometimes feeling restless, gaining or losing weight… You might think that these are normal things for a new mother. Most of the time, they are. But sometimes these symptoms can be more than just postpartum fatigue. Today, we are going to talk about a condition that some mothers can experience after giving birth, but it is not talked about much. That is postpartum thyroiditis , or `` Postpartum Thyroiditis '' .

What is this so-called postpartum thyroiditis?

Simply put, `(Postpartum Thyroiditis)` is a condition in which your thyroid gland becomes swollen or inflamed within the first year after giving birth. This is a very rare condition. Did you know that the thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the front and lower part of our neck. It produces hormones that control many important processes in our body. These thyroid hormones are especially important in controlling the way we use energy, that is, our metabolism .

Postpartum Thyroiditis usually occurs in several stages.

1. Stage 1: This is when the thyroid gland produces too much hormone and releases it into the bloodstream due to the inflammation. This is called hyperthyroidism . This stage usually occurs within one and a half to six months after giving birth. It can last from one week to about three months.

2. Stage 2: This is when the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. This is called hypothyroidism . This usually starts between four and eight months after giving birth. It can last up to a year.

3. Stage Three: In this stage, the thyroid gland usually returns to normal and hormone production returns to normal levels.

However, not everyone goes through all three stages in this order. Some people never get to the second stage, which is ``Hypothyroidism.'' They get ``Hyperthyroidism,'' and then their thyroid function returns to normal. Also, although very rare, some people can stay in the ``Hypothyroidism'' stage. Then they have to continue taking hormone replacement therapy to control their low thyroid hormone levels.

How common is this condition?

It is estimated that between 5% and 10% of women will develop postpartum thyroiditis within the first year after childbirth, abortion, or hysterectomy. However, this percentage may be higher in those with other risk factors, such as thyroid disease.

What are the symptoms of this?

Most of the time, in the first stage, called ``Hyperthyroidism,'' symptoms are not noticeable. You may not even realize it. But if symptoms do occur, they are usually related to the body's processes (such as metabolism) becoming "hyper" or speeded up. These are some of the symptoms:

• Frequent feelings of restlessness and anxiety.
• Increased hair loss.
• Being thin for no reason.
• Increased heart rate (Tachycardia).
• Heat intolerance, increased sweating .

Most people start to notice symptoms in the second stage, which is called hypothyroidism. This is when the body's processes (such as metabolism) slow down. As a result, you may notice symptoms like:

• Feeling extremely tired: This isn't just the normal tiredness that comes with having a baby. It's the kind of tiredness that makes you feel like you're going to stay in bed all day, no matter how much rest you get.
• Weight gain : You may feel like you're gaining weight even if your eating habits don't change.
• Mental conditions such as depression : Feeling sad all the time, losing interest in anything, and not wanting to do things you used to enjoy.
• Dry skin.
• Constipation .
• Muscle pain.
• Not producing enough breast milk for the baby.
• Intolerance to cold: You may feel unbearably cold while others feel a normal cold.

The important thing is that these symptoms of `(Hypothyroidism)` can often be confused with the normal things a new mother experiences after giving birth. Things like fatigue and muscle aches are normal when taking care of a baby. But if these symptoms persist or become severe, you should definitely see a doctor.

Why is this happening? What are the reasons?

The main cause of `(Postpartum Thyroiditis)` is the attack of your thyroid gland by anti-thyroid antibodies. Did you know, we have a part of our body called `Antibodies`. Their job is to protect us by fighting disease-causing germs. It's like the guards in our body.

But in `(Postpartum Thyroiditis)`, these antibodies make a small mistake and they start attacking our own thyroid gland. This attack is what causes the inflammation of the thyroid gland. This process is very similar to `(Hashimoto's disease)`, the most common type of thyroiditis.

Scientists still don't know exactly why these antibodies start attacking after giving birth. But one popular theory is that if you had an autoimmune condition before you became pregnant, you're more likely to develop it after giving birth. An autoimmune condition is, as I mentioned earlier, when our own antibodies attack our own healthy cells and tissues.

Who is at higher risk of developing this?

You may be at increased risk of developing ``Postpartum Thyroiditis`` if you:

• If you have had postpartum thyroiditis during a previous delivery.
• If you have type 1 diabetes (also an autoimmune condition).
• If you or someone in your family has a history of thyroid disease .
• If you have had anti-thyroid antibodies in your body since before you became pregnant (you may not have known about it because you had no symptoms).

How do doctors diagnose this?

When you see a doctor, he or she will examine you and ask about your symptoms. Then, they will do a blood test to check the levels of thyroid hormones in your blood (specifically, hormones called T3, T4, or TSH). This blood test is usually enough to diagnose postpartum thyroiditis. It can also help to distinguish it from other conditions that have similar symptoms, such as Graves' disease. Graves' disease is a lifelong condition that causes symptoms similar to postpartum thyroiditis.

What is the treatment?

Most women do not experience this condition as severely. So if your symptoms are not severe, you may not need treatment. However, if your symptoms are severe, you may need to take medication. If you are breastfeeding, be sure to tell your doctor. He or she can recommend medications that are safe for both you and your baby.

Treatment depends on whether you are in the ``Hyperthyroidism'' or ``Hypothyroidism'' stage.

• For (Hyperthyroidism): Medications for this include `(Corticosteroids)` (such as `(Prednisone)`) and `(Beta-blockers)`. `(Corticosteroids)` reduce inflammation. `(Beta-blockers)` block the effects of thyroid hormones. Both of these can control symptoms.
• For hypothyroidism: This will most likely require thyroid hormone replacement therapy . This treatment usually takes six months to a year. Once your thyroid gland is back to normal, you can gradually reduce the amount of this medication and stop taking it.

Your doctor will monitor your thyroid hormone levels throughout your treatment.

Is this a permanent situation? Will it last forever?

Postpartum Thyroiditis is usually a temporary condition. About 70% to 80% of people with this condition will eventually stop needing medication because their thyroid gland will start producing hormones normally again. The other 20% to 30% may remain in the hypothyroidism stage. They will need to take thyroid hormone therapy long-term.

Also, postpartum thyroiditis can increase your risk of developing other thyroid problems in the future, such as hypothyroidism or goiter. Even if your thyroid returns to normal, your doctor may advise you to continue monitoring your thyroid.

How long does it take to heal?

Postpartum Thyroiditis usually lasts a year to a year and a half. In most cases, your thyroid will return to normal within 12 to 18 months after you first start experiencing symptoms. You will no longer need medication.

Can I get pregnant again after developing postpartum thyroiditis?

It is definitely possible. Many women who have experienced postpartum thyroiditis go on to have healthy pregnancies. But the most important thing is that if you are planning to get pregnant again, you should definitely tell your doctor that you have had this condition before. Because about 20% of women who have had postpartum thyroiditis before will have it again in their next pregnancy.

Then your doctor can monitor your thyroid hormone levels and guide you to a healthy pregnancy.

What should I ask the doctor?

When you go to see a doctor, it's a good idea to ask these questions:

• Do I have another thyroid disease or autoimmune condition?
• What kind of treatment do you recommend?
• Since I am breastfeeding, what are the safest medications to use?
• When can I reduce my thyroid medication?
• What schedule will I need to come back on to monitor my condition?
• If I develop a new thyroid problem, what symptoms should I look out for?

Many people with symptoms of `(Postpartum Thyroiditis)` delay seeing a doctor because they think these changes are normal after giving birth. In fact, things like fatigue and muscle aches while caring for a newborn can feel like `(Hypothyroidism)` symptoms. However, if these symptoms don't get better, don't think, "I just have to deal with this." The problem may be with your thyroid. A simple blood test can usually tell for sure. There are medications that can help you stay healthy and manage life with a new baby. That's why it's so important to take care of yourself.

The most important things to remember from what we have discussed (Take-Home Message)

Okay, so now you have a better understanding of what we've been talking about (Postpartum Thyroiditis). Here are some important things to remember:

• Postpartum Thyroiditis is an inflammation of the thyroid gland that can occur within the first year after childbirth.
• In this , thyroid hormones may initially increase (Hyperthyroidism) and then decrease (Hypothyroidism). Not everyone experiences both stages.
• Do not confuse the symptoms (especially those of hypothyroidism, such as fatigue, weight gain, depression, constipation, and decreased breast milk supply ) with the normal changes that occur after childbirth.
• This is due to antibodies attacking the thyroid gland.
• This can be diagnosed with a blood test .
• This is often temporary and can be cured with treatment. There are safe treatments for breastfeeding mothers as well.
• If you have these symptoms, don't hesitate to see a doctor for advice. The sooner you recognize it, the sooner you can get relief.

If you found this information useful, that would be the greatest joy. I wish you and your family good health!