Postnatal women are more vulnerable to autoimmune disease in general, and postnatal thyroiditis specifically. If they suffer from a thyroid disfunction condition, It is common for them to experience both hyper then hypothyroid symptoms over the postnatal period. More in depth thyroid testing is required to confirm a diagnosis.
Symptoms of the hyperthyroid stage:
• Sudden weight loss
• Rapid heartbeat and palpitations
• Nervousness, anxiety and irritability
• Sweating
• More frequent bowel movements
• Fatigue
• Muscle weakness
- Difficulty sleeping
Symptoms of the hypothyroid stage:
• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight gain
• Constipation
• Pale, dry skin
• Elevated blood cholesterol level
• Puffy face
• Increased sensitivity to cold
• Muscle aches and weakness (generalised joint and muscle pain)
• Heavier than normal menstrual periods
• Brittle fingernails and hair
• Depression (although the relationship between postpartum hypothyroidism and postpartum depression is not consistent in the research.)