If a woman who has just had a baby is depressed due to a thyroid imbalance or disease (such as postpartum thyroiditis) then all the therapy and antidepressants in the world would not fix it.

Thyroid disease specifically is the most “overlooked and under-diagnosed condition affecting new mothers” according to Dr Jolene Brighton. She has stated with even a conservative estimate, 10% of all new mums develop postpartum thyroid disease. It may even be as high as 17%!

Symptoms of postpartum thyroiditis include;

Usually first comes the hyperthyroid stage but not always

  • weight loss
  • heat intolerance
  • anxiety
  • irritability
  • tachycardia
  • tremors

Symptoms of the hypothyroid stage; (usually however up to 50% of mothers experience this stage exclusively)

  • lack of energy
  • cold intolerance
  • constipation
  • sluggishness
  • joint pain
  • depression
  • diminished milk supply
  • dry skin
  • weight gain

When does Postpartum Thyroiditis start?

Symptoms typically start 2-6 months after giving birth and then symptoms can resolve around 6-10 months later. 20% of mothers will stay living with hypothyroid and will go on to be diagnosed with Hashimoto’s autoimmune thyroid disease.

Suspicious of Postpartum Depression? Always Rule Out Postpartum Thyroiditis First!

This is also why it makes sense why some doctors might mistakenly think a new mother has postpartum depression, however it is wrong to only assume this and to not also test for postpartum thyroid disease and check on the health in general of the thyroid by doing a full comprehensive panel (not just testing for TSH).

Also, be mindful that when going for tests, many doctors may still miss a thyroid issue because they might still be referencing old data with the old ranges that are just too broad!

Although the exact cause of postpartum thyroiditis is not clear, it is believed that most women who develop it have an underlying autoimmune thyroid condition that flares after childbirth due to fluctuations in immune function. This is what makes the condition so similar to Hashimoto’s where antibodies are produced against the thyroid gland.