FEATURE | THYROID HEALTH
THYROID SUPPORT
A healthy thyroid for the postpartum
period and beyond
Story by DEVIN DAWSON
E
veryone has heard of “the blues” new mothers can experience after childbirth, which
can potentially turn a joyous time of life into a rollercoaster ride of fatigue, anxiety,
heart palpitations, insomnia, depression, “foggy” thinking, weight difficulties and other
challenges — which may or may not persist for years. It could be your thyroid. The thyroid gland
is a very special organ that resides on the front of the neck. It controls our basal metabolic rate
(our metabolism), and therefore our body temperature, mental capacity, energy level, other
hormones and plays a part in regulating the menstrual cycle.
After childbirth, approximately 10 percent of women are diagnosed with postpartum
thyroiditis, which is a medical condition that involves inflammation of the thyroid as a result of
childbirth. Since the symptoms of a thyroid imbalance are commonly attributed to merely the
stress of having a new child or a mood disorder, your condition may largely go undiagnosed.
The inflammation in the thyroid gland may damage the gland and allow it to inappropriately
“release” an excess of thyroid hormones (T4 and T3) which may result in symptoms of anxiety,
irritability, heat sensitivity, unexplained weight loss, rapid heartbeat, fatigue, tremors and
insomnia. These symptoms are quite typical of a hyperthyroid condition. As the thyroid
continues to become impaired, symptoms of hypothyroid may arise: low energy, sensitivity to
cold, constipation, dry skin, difficulty with concentration and lethargy. In some people, this may
last several years or even become permanent.
The late Dr. Broda Barnes developed a simple four-step test you can perform to get an idea of
how well your thyroid is functioning and therefore may indicate a need to follow-up with your
family doctor to assess your thyroid.
1. THE NIGHT BEFORE, PLACE A DIGITAL OR AN ORAL MERCURY THERMOMETER
(SHAKEN) ON YOUR END TABLE.
2. IN THE MORNING, BEFORE MOVING OR GETTING OUT OF BED, PUT YOUR
THERMOMETER IN YOUR ARMPIT AND LIE QUIETLY WITHOUT M ՒS