Research shows that about 5 to 10 percent of women develop thyroid dysfunction after giving birth. These thyroid problems tend to be closely correlated with another condition, postpartum depression. That’s not surprising, since thyroid problems and depression are linked in the general population. (Thyroid hormones are important for neurotransmitter production in the brain.) But not many women are treated properly for this combination of symptoms, and I believe even more women have treatable, mood-altering thyroid hormone dysfunction than most doctors realize, especially after giving birth. Their situation is not recognized because the usual test for thyroid function, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) may come back at normal levels.
So, in addition to TSH, I suggest a simple screening test. Take your body temperature. If it is consistently low, (below 97.8 F. (36.56 C.) chances are good you have slow metabolism, which may be caused by low thyroid hormone activity in your body. (See “How are body temperatures measured” for complete instructions.) You may have trouble converting T4, the inactive form of thyroid hormone, to T3, the active form. This is a problem that is not detected by TSH levels. Low body temperature even with normal TSH levels is a condition called Wilson’s Temperature Syndrome.
WTS can often be corrected with proper thyroid support, which often includes a trial of T3. You can discuss T3 therapy with your doctor and we will be happy to discuss your case with your doctor. Your doctor can call 800.420.5801. The object of T3 therapy is to normalize your oral body temperatures to average 98.6 (37 C.) during treatment. Doing so can help relieve postpartum depression and fatigue, help you think more clearly and to bring your metabolism back to normal in all the tissues in your body.
Several nutrients also play important roles in proper thyroid hormone use: iodine, iron and selenium. These nutrients can be depleted by pregnancy. Make sure you are getting enough of all three by taking supplements if necessary, especially if you are breast-feeding.
REFERENCES
Harris B, Oretti R, Lazarus J, et. al. Randomised trial of thyroxine to prevent postnatal depression in thyroid-antibody-positive women. Br J Psychiatry. 2002 Apr;180:327-30.
Mestman JH. Evaluating and Managing Postpartum Thyroid Dysfunction. Medscape Womens Health. 1997 Jul;2(7):3.
Skalkidou A, Hellgren C, Comasco E et al. Biological aspects of postpartum depression. Womens Health (Lond Engl). 2012 Nov;8(6):659-72.
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