Please make sure the doc thoroughly tests you for thyroid problems -- both physically palpating the gland and ordering blood work. In is not uncommon to have postpartum thyroiditis. It can be a temporary inflammation of the thyroid gland and upset the thyroid hormone levels. It can also turn into a permanent hypothyroid or hyperthyroid condition.
All of the symptoms you mention can be a part of thyroid problems. Depression, panic attacks, throat sensations and sensitivities, -- all can be explained by a thyroid hormone imbalance. Other things that are common with hypothyroid: severe fatigue, hair loss, dry skin, hoarseness, feeling cold at times when others do not. Some common symptoms of hyperthyroid: feeling on edge, feeling hot, heart palpitations, faster pulse, losing weight without trying, etc..... There are lots more and a person can experience a combination of symptoms -- especially early in the disease. Sometimes the thyroid actually is going hypothyroid, but it puts out little bursts of hormone occasionally giving the person a list of hyper symptoms. Can be difficult to pinpoint!
I don't know why they do not automatically look for a thyroid problem BEFORE they dish out the postpartum anti-depressants. Have the doc test your TSH, Free T4 and Free T3 -- the 'Free" tests do not relate to cost but show the amount of unbound hormones in the blood. Estrogen (which is fluctuating greatly after having a baby) can cause more of the thyroid hormone to be "bound" and not ready for the body to use. So, it is important to test the Free levels and not just the Total T4 and Toal T3. You could also ask for thyroid antibody tests (Anti-TPO and Anti-Tg) to see if you have developed autoimmune thyroiditis.
This is important to you! Please make sure to get the thyroid checked out. |