How to Manage Hashimoto’s Disease After Having a Baby

Hashimoto’s disease is a condition where your body mistakenly attacks its own thyroid gland. This gland, located at the base of your neck, produces hormones that help regulate everything from your energy levels to your metabolism. When Hashimoto’s interferes with this process, it can disrupt your body’s normal balance.

Hashimoto’s disease symptoms can vary widely and may not appear immediately. Over time, they can include:

• Feeling tired and lacking energy.
• Difficulty tolerating cold temperatures.
• Feeling drowsy or sleepy.
• Dry, thinning, or brittle hair.
• Infrequent bowel movements.
• Feeling weak or tired in the muscles.
• Pain or stiffness in the muscles and joints.
• Changes in menstrual cycle.
• Feeling sad or depressed.
• Difficulty remembering things or concentrating.
• Enlargement of the thyroid gland, which can cause the front of the neck to look swollen.
• Swelling of the face.
• Nails break easily.
• Thinning or falling hair.

Hashimoto’s disease causes remains a puzzle. While we don’t have all the pieces yet, researchers believe several factors might contribute to its development:

• Genetic Factors: Family history of thyroid disorders or other autoimmune diseases. Individuals with a family history are more likely to develop Hashimoto’s disease.
• Environmental Triggers: Infections, stress, chemical and radiation exposure. These factors can trigger the immune system to attack the thyroid gland.
• Interactions Between Environmental and Genetic Factors: The combination of genetic predisposition and environmental triggers may play a role in the development of Hashimoto’s disease.

Pregnancy can be a rollercoaster of physical and emotional changes. For some women, this upheaval can trigger Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune condition that affects the thyroid gland.

The hormonal storm that accompanies pregnancy can sometimes lead to an attack on the thyroid, causing it to underperform.   

Symptoms of hypothyroidism may appear during or shortly after pregnancy. Feeling fatigued, weak, and unusually cold are common complaints. Weight gain can also be a challenge. Women with a family history of thyroid problems or other autoimmune diseases are more susceptible to Hashimoto’s. 

And if you’ve experienced postpartum thyroiditis, your risk of developing Hashimoto’s in future pregnancies increases. Regular thyroid checks are essential for managing this condition and ensuring both your and your baby’s health.

Hashimoto’s disease can lead to several potential postpartum complications, including:

1. Postpartum Hemorrhage

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a frightening reality for many new moms. It happens when your body loses too much blood after giving birth. Several factors can contribute to PPH, from your uterus not contracting properly to complications with the placenta. It can happen quickly, within the first 24 hours (primary PPH), or more gradually in the weeks following (secondary PPH).

You’re at a higher risk if you’ve experienced PPH before, had a C-section, or carried multiples. Symptoms can include soaking through more than one pad per hour, feeling dizzy or faint, and a rapid heartbeat.

2. Hypothyroidism

For many women with Hashimoto’s, hypothyroidism is almost always something to test for. Hypothyroidism is when your thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones to maintain your body’s metabolism. 

You might feel constantly tired, find it difficult to do everyday tasks, and feel cold all the time. Unexpected weight gain, changes in your hair and skin, and irregular periods can also be signs of hypothyroidism.   

Unfortunately, in some cases, postpartum Hashimoto’s can progress into permanent hypothyroidism. The most common outcome is that you require ongoing hormonal medicine to maintain a certain level of thyroid function.   

3. Postpartum Thyroiditis

Postpartum thyroiditis (PPT) is an autoimmune condition that can occur in the first year after delivery. It is characterized by inflammation of the thyroid gland, leading to a transient or permanent thyroid dysfunction. The symptoms of PPT can vary and may include:

• Transient Hyperthyroidism: Symptoms such as weight loss, rapid heartbeat, and anxiety.
• Transient Hypothyroidism: Symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, and cold intolerance.
• Mixed Symptoms: Some women may experience a combination of both hyperthyroid and hypothyroid symptoms.

4. Preeclampsia and Anemia

If you have Hashimoto’s, you may face a higher risk of experiencing preeclampsia or anemia in subsequent pregnancies. Preeclampsia is a serious condition where your blood pressure rises and can damage your organs. Anemia means your body doesn’t have enough red blood cells, which can make you feel tired and short of breath. These conditions can add extra stress and worry to an already demanding time.

5. Genetic Tendency

Women with a family history of autoimmune diseases or thyroid problems are more likely to develop Hashimoto’s disease postpartum. This genetic predisposition can increase the risk of autoimmune thyroiditis.

6. Increased Risk of Autoimmune Disorders in Children

Children born to mothers with autoimmunity, such as Hashimoto’s disease, may be more vulnerable to environmental triggers that can lead to autoimmune disorders. These conditions include:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties with social interaction and communication.
• Eczema: A chronic inflammatory skin condition treatable with TCM.
• Asthma: A chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and constriction of the airways, also very effectively managed by TCM.
• Food Allergies and Intolerances: Reactions to certain foods that can cause symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to life-threatening anaphylaxis.

Breastfeeding is a beautiful experience, but it can be challenging, especially if you’re managing Hashimoto’s. One of the biggest concerns is your milk supply. Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in milk production, and if your Hashimoto’s is causing low thyroid levels, it might impact how much milk your body makes. This can be frustrating and worrying.

On top of that, the fatigue that often comes with hypothyroidism can make breastfeeding even more tiring. Between sleepless nights and caring for a newborn, feeling exhausted is common. You might find yourself needing extra support to manage breastfeeding and everything else that comes with motherhood.

Hashimoto’s disease can be treated using a combination of naturopathy, functional medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Here are some key approaches and treatments:

1. Using Naturopathy

Managing Hashimoto’s often involves exploring different avenues for relief. Here are some natural options to consider:

• Selenium: This mineral plays a key role in thyroid health. By supplementing with selenium, you can support your thyroid’s function and potentially help reduce inflammation.
• Gut Health: Your gut health is closely linked to your overall well-being, including thyroid function. Incorporating probiotics, fermented foods, and a diet lower in processed sugars can help balance your gut bacteria and reduce inflammation.
• Ashwagandha: This adaptogenic herb has been shown to support thyroid health and reduce stress. If you’re feeling tired and overwhelmed, ashwagandha might be worth considering.
• Vitamin B12: Essential for energy production and thyroid function, vitamin B12 is often deficient in people with Hashimoto’s. Supplementation can help boost your energy levels.
• Zinc: Another important mineral for thyroid health, zinc supports optimal thyroid function. Many people with Hashimoto’s have zinc deficiencies.

2. Using Functional Medicine

Functional medicine takes a comprehensive approach to understanding and managing Hashimoto’s.

• Dietary Changes: What you eat can significantly impact your thyroid health. Focusing on whole foods, limiting processed foods, and potentially eliminating gluten and grains can help reduce inflammation and support your overall well-being.
• Nutrient Boost: Vitamins and minerals, especially B vitamins and vitamin D, play a crucial role in thyroid function. Ensuring you’re getting enough of these nutrients can help manage Hashimoto’s symptoms.
• Stress Less: Stress can worsen autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s. Incorporating relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga into your routine can help manage stress and its impact on your body.

3. Using Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a holistic approach to managing Hashimoto’s.

• Herbal Remedies: Herbs are used in TCM to support thyroid health and reduce inflammation. These herbs are carefully selected based on your individual symptoms and constitution.
• Acupuncture: This treatment can help support energy levels through stimulating certain points in the body. It is also effective in bringing down systemic inflammation in the body.