Postpartum hypothyroid issues

[staceyshoe]

I have been meaning to get my thyroid checked since I had ds and finally got around to it last wk. I was mildly hypothyroid before and know it often gets worse post-partum. Well, my TSH is more than 6x higher than it was before I got pregnant, and I'm still on the same dose of thyroid meds. Needless to say, I need an increase.

For those who have had hypothyroidism appear or get worse after pregnancy, how long does it stay that way? Permanently? Till dc weans? For a few months? I'm just wondering what to expect and hoping that my pregnancy didn't take a permanent toll on my body.

Also, I want to encourage women who suspect thyroid problems to get tested! I should have gone in months ago. I actually have virtually no symptoms of hypothyroidism (though quite a family history) and feel no different when I take or don't take my meds. It does seem to regulate my cycle (perhaps my high TSH is why I haven't had AF yet?) but otherwise I don't "see" any difference. But it's obviously something my body needs. If in doubt, it's best to get it checked! I am really kicking myself for letting this get so out of hand when I should have known better!

[jerawo]

I was hypothyroid before I got pregnant, found it got worse during pregnancy, and still hasn't returned to being close to my pre-pregnant state.

It's hard to know for how long your thyroid will continue to make you even more hypothyroid. For some women it is temporary (post partum thyroiditis) and for some women it's permanent. I assumed my levels would go back to what they were pre-pregnancy which seems to be the most common scenerio, but like I said they've remained the same.

[Faithsmom]

i was not hypothyroid before pregnancy and after was severely hypothyroid to the point of disorientation etc. It was bad. I am still on meds and they increased my dose before my new pg and so far so good. My midwife says I may have to go up on the meds as most of the time w/ pregnancy that happens. DD was around 18/19 months when I got pg w/ this new baby and My hypothyroidism hadn't gotten "better".

[Emilie]

I became hyperthyroid after I had ds. I had it until two months before I got pg with this one. Miracle. I think.
I am going to be taking KELP to try to keep it away this time- but plan to get it checked immediately and then a bit after the birth.
Emilie

[jerawo]

Do you mean kelp as in seaweed or does KELP stand for a natural supliment I don't know about? Seaweed makes hyperthyroidism worse, so I wouldn't take it if you are hyper. Now, if you are hypo then it would be fine to take because your thyroid function would increase.

[staceyshoe]

From the research I have done, kelp can work both ways--a little improves thyroid function and a lot inhibits it. Same with iodine.

[applejuice]

For me the hypothyroidism got worse. I simply tried to keep up with kelp and a drop of iodine in water.

[mighty-mama]

I'm a little different I have hashimoto's thyroiditis (auto-immune) I started my pg @25mcg and went to 100mcg at term. I am at 7 1/2 mths. post-partum and currently at 75mcg. So yes my dose is higher. My tsh is at the lowest it's been in years its only a 1...

**YES I too strongly urge women out there to check there thyroid. I truly believe my un-diagnosed thyroidits caused me to m/s twice. Actually I knew something was wrong but was ignored. I finally had a dr listen to me and had my autoimmune levels checked and found my antibody levels at 1200. A normal person is at 35. Amazingly enough I was placed on medication my tsh lowered and wow I actually maintained my pg....

[Emilie]

Interesting about the kelp.- My midwife strongly suggests I use it.
Hmm... I will do some research.
Thanks!
Emilie