SLUG: Awareness MonthBengaluru: “Is it just baby blues, or is the thyroid gland acting up?” is a question endocrinologists and gynaecologists are increasingly asking as more cases of postpartum thyroiditis come to light. An autoimmune condition, postpartum thyroiditis is often missed because its symptoms closely overlap with common postpartum experiences such as weight gain or loss, palpitations, fatigue, hair loss, shivering, and depression.Doctors estimate that between one and six out of every 20 new mothers may develop thyroid dysfunction after delivery. “On average, about 5% of pregnancies — roughly one in 20 — are affected by postpartum thyroiditis. Some studies suggest the prevalence may be as high as 10%, but a conservative estimate places it at around 5%,” said Dr Hema Venkataraman, lead consultant endocrinologist, KIMS (Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences) Hospitals. “New mothers are often sleepless, breastfeeding, and adjusting to major lifestyle changes. Weight loss, for instance, is common during breastfeeding and can also occur during the hyperthyroid phase of postpartum thyroiditis, making it easy to miss the underlying condition,” she said. Symptoms become harder to identify as the condition progresses. Dr Teji Dawane, senior consultant, obstetrician & gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Whitefield, said once postpartum thyroiditis shifts phases, it is often mistaken for routine postpartum exhaustion. “Once the initial hyperthyroid phase shifts into hypothyroidism, women may experience weight gain, dry skin, persistent hair fall, fatigue, cold intolerance, low mood, and sluggishness. These symptoms are commonly attributed to the postpartum phase, leading many women to dismiss them entirely,” she said, adding that women often continue attributing their discomfort to “just postpartum changes”, missing the underlying condition altogether. While awareness remains limited, doctors say recognition improved in recent years. “In 18 years of practice, I saw more cases of postpartum thyroiditis in the last six years. Unlike before, the symptoms are not merely disregarded now, while stress could also be contributing to the rise,” Dr Teji noted. Dr Hema pointed out that Indian women often undergo testing earlier than those in Western countries. “In the West, patients usually present with symptoms first and are then advised to get blood tests. In India, many women arrive with abnormal thyroid reports already in hand,” she said. Why treatment in time is vital Dr Mahesh D M, senior consultant – endocrinology, Aster CMI Hospital, said the condition refers to thyroid dysfunction occurring within one year of delivery. “It typically has two phases. The first is a thyrotoxic phase, during which some women may experience weight loss, palpitations, tremors, or shivering, though others may have no symptoms at all. This phase is marked by low TSH levels and elevated T4 levels and is caused by inflammation of the thyroid gland,” he said. “After this initial phase, the thyroid function may return to normal briefly before shifting into a hypothyroid phase. This phase can last anywhere from six months to one year, and in some cases, up to 18 months after delivery. About 70% of women recover completely and return to normal thyroid function. However, 20–30% may develop subclinical hypothyroidism, where TSH levels remain high, and medication may be required. A smaller group may develop permanent hypothyroidism,” he added. Doctors warn that if postpartum thyroiditis is not recognised or treated in time, it can quietly progress from a temporary, manageable condition into a long-term health issue. Untreated thyroid dysfunction can worsen quality of life, amplify stress and mood disorders, and complicate future pregnancies. To prevent delayed diagnosis, specialists recommend that all women — regardless of whether they had thyroid issues during pregnancy — undergo a basic blood test six to eight weeks after delivery. Dr Hema also cautioned against misinformation. “Since thyroiditis is autoimmune in nature, there is no proven way to prevent it. Claims about reversing thyroid disease through diet, exercise, massage, or supplements are not supported by scientific evidence. Developing postpartum thyroiditis is not a failure of lifestyle choices,” she said.
