Postpartum Thyroiditis

[Teaforthesoul]

Hi all

I had my 3rd baby 12 weeks ago. A beautiful boy I was feeling absolutely fine after birth (suffer with anxiety anyway) but about 1 week before my cycle started at 8 weeks I just spiralled, awful anxiety, constantly on edge and horrible feeling of fear, hot flushes, night sweats zero appetite, lost 1stone in 6 weeks, dry mouthand hair falling out. I thought I was starting peri menopause and gp sent me for bloods and turns out I'm in hyper stage of postpartum thyroiditis T4 is 24 (not high compared to others I've read abt) but my TPO antibodies are >1300

Serum TSH <0.03

Gp has told me to take 40mg propananol daily and waiting on an urgent referral to endocrinology who will prescribe meds but 6 to 8 week wait.

I'm worried my antibody levels being so high does this usually indicate a permanent auto immune disease?

I'm worried about going into hypo, I've felt awful recently and I think my husband just thinks I'm being lazy but I have no energy at all.

TIA

[GlowCoach Administrator]

Welcome to the group. If you could complete your profile it helps members understand your thyroid journey so far and be able to advise you better. Click on your image icon to start. Fill out the free text box at the top.

TPO antibodies are usually permanent. They will fluctuate over time, sometimes wildly but likely they will always be there. Childbirth is often a trigger for Hashimoto's.

Have you also had Trab antibodies tested? These would indicate if you have Graves disease.

Othere things that can affect how we feel with thyroid disease are low levels of vitamins which are caused by poor gut absorption due to the disease.

Have you recently or could you ask your GP to test levels of ferritin, folate, B12 & D3? Private tests are available, see link for companies offering private blood tests & discount codes, some offer a blood draw service at an extra cost. thyroiduk.org/testing/priva...

There is also a new company offering walk in& mail order blood tests in London, Kent, Sussex & Surrey areas. Check to see if there is a blood test company near you. onedaytests.com/products/ul...

Only do private tests on a Monday or Tuesday to avoid postal delays.

If you bought a private blood test that would also show your FT3 level which the NHS often doesnt test. Would give you a better picture of whats happening.

Many with autoimmune thyroid disease aka Hashimoto's benefit from a gluten free diet. A smaller percentage of those also need to remove dairy from their diet to feel well. These are intolerances and will not show up on any blood test.