What is postpartum hypothyroidism?

It can be difficult to diagnose, and it is often dismissed as normal maternal tiredness, because the symptoms of this slowed metabolism are physical sluggishness and mental dullness. Other signs can include a puffy face, forgetfulness, low body temperature, dry skin, weight gain, poor muscle tone (weakness, aching), exhaustion and fatigue. Sometimes it is mistakenly treated as postnatal depression. However, a simple blood test provides a quick diagnosis. Sometimes the thyroid may initially become overactive (called hyperthyroidism). Symptoms can include a firm, swollen, tender neck, tremors, heart palpitations (strong heartbeats you feel), a sharp loss of weight, feeling hot, nervous, agitated and a general inability to sleep or relax. Symptoms then change to a slowed metabolic rate resulting in mental and physical sluggishness, as for hypothyroidism.