Q An obstetrics clinic in Dong-gu, Incheon told me my postpartum thyroiditis levels are borderline. How do I tell it apart from postpartum wind symptoms?
A Postpartum thyroiditis is characterized by fatigue, weight changes, palpitations, and hair loss, whereas postpartum wind centers on joint pain, cold sensations, and numbness. Since the two can overlap, it is more accurate to first confirm with TSH and thyroid antibody tests.
Detailed Answer
Postpartum thyroiditis is a condition in which inflammation develops in the thyroid due to an immune reaction after childbirth. It may begin with hyperfunction (palpitations, weight loss, heat intolerance) and then shift months later to hypofunction (fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance). Because the symptoms can look similar to postpartum wind, if fatigue, weight changes, palpitations, and hair loss occur together, it is important to first differentiate with TSH and thyroid antibody (TPO Ab) blood tests. About 80% of postpartum thyroid dysfunction recovers naturally within 12 to 18 months, but about 25% can progress to permanent hypothyroidism, so follow-up monitoring is needed.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
At a Korean medicine clinic, even when postpartum thyroiditis is confirmed, Korean medicine treatment that aids qi-and-blood replenishment and immune recovery can be carried out together. If Western medical treatment is needed first, we cooperate with the attending internal medicine physician, and once thyroid function has stabilized, we carry out postpartum wind recovery treatment together.
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