Anyone have post partum hypothyroidism?

I'm almost 9 months PP and just had a physical. I'm in excellent health except my thyroid reading was at 6.9 and my doctor was surprised - saying it really shouldnt be higher than 5.5

He said that sometimes after childbirth a woman can develop hypothryoidism (thyroid is underfunctioning). I dont have any symptoms (extreme fatigue, hair loss, sensitivity to cold, depression, etc.) but he's surprised at my numbers and wants me to retake the test and possibly go on medication.

Anyone have this? Does your thyroid level go back to normal after a while? My doctor kinda rushed me off the phone. I'm retaking the test on Monday.

Re: Anyone have post partum hypothyroidism?

My boss did. She lost a bunch of weight really fast. She was put on medication and got it under control.

Re: Anyone have post partum hypothyroidism?

I lost a TON of weight after the baby and I ate normal. I went down to 115 (which is not a healthy weight for me) and I looked too skinny. After about 5-6 months, my body went back to normal and I went back to my regular weight. That was without any medication at all...just a nice vacation.

Re: Anyone have post partum hypothyroidism?

Thanks - I havent had any kind of crazy weight loss - I'm at my pre pregnancy weight - but I didnt lose the weight quickly. I think the doctor is concerned that my thyroid is not functioning as well as it could. He said that with medication I might experience a little bit of weight loss (and I'm certainly not complaining about that! )

I imagine it will all even itself out in a few months. Thanks for your posts!

Re: Anyone have post partum hypothyroidism?

Yep, me! after i had my DS in December 2005 I had a physical done a few months later and at first it was hyper-thyroidism because I was losing alot of weight quickly and then it turned into Hypo at which point the dr. put me on synthroid pills and said it may straighten out on its on, but unfortunately it never did.. I got pregnant again in sept 06' while on those pills and after DD was born in May I still remain with it..

hopefully it goes back to normal for you

Message edited 1/18/2008 10:45:23 PM.

Re: Anyone have post partum hypothyroidism?

yep i had it. it regulated itself.

Re: Anyone have post partum hypothyroidism?

I have post partum thyroiditis (which is the same thing) and was diagnosed back in beginning of Nov - my Dr. (Endo) explained that people start off hyperthyroid and become hypothyroid and then some stay hypo and others return to normal. I was told it will most likely return if I have another child. My Endo monitors me constantly so he can adjust my meds according to my blood work and symptoms. He said that most people aren't diagnosed until it hits the hypo stage and they have complications.

My endo also mentioned that it wasn't unusual for people in the hypo stage to end up with Post partum depression as well.

FM me if you want to talk. You will want to see an endocronologist for it.

Etd to add it was caught at my physical as well - the rest of my blood work and my physical was perfect so my dr was surprised when it came back in a very abnormal range

Message edited 1/19/2008 8:20:39 AM.