Postpartum Thyroiditis Mimicking Central Hypothyroidism: The Perfect Thyming

Cureus. 2023 Jul 28;15(7):e42630. doi: 10.7759/cureus.42630. eCollection 2023 Jul.

Abstract

Hypothyroidism can be seen in postpartum women as a result of central or primary hypothyroidism. Postpartum thyroiditis is a primary hypothyroid condition in which there is likely autoimmune dysfunction leading to damage to the thyroid gland. Patients with postpartum thyroiditis often present with little to no symptoms, and the key to establishing this diagnosis is a comprehensive endocrine workup. We report the case of a 24-year-old postpartum female patient who was diagnosed with postpartum thyroiditis after initial evaluation demonstrated findings concerning central hypothyroidism.

Keywords: auto-immune thyroiditis; central hypothyroidism; hypothyroidism; postpartum complication; postpartum thyroiditis; primary hypothyroidism.

Publication types

  • Case Reports