Osmosis video - Postpartum thyroiditis

Postpartum thyroiditis is an inflammation of the thyroid gland that occurs a few months after giving birth, resulting in either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. The first phase is typically hyperthyroidism. Then, the thyroid either returns to normal or a woman develops hypothyroidism. In some cases, the inflammation may subside without any treatment, but once permanent hypothyroidism develops, there is a need for lifelong treatment with thyroid hormone replacement medications.