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.)