- With Mayo Clinic endocrinologist
Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D.
Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D.
Dr. Todd Nippoldt is a board-certified specialist in internal medicine and endocrinology and metabolism. He has special expertise in the area of hormone disorders affecting the pituitary and adrenal glands as well as the testes and ovaries. He has been a member of the Mayo Clinic staff since 1988.
Dr. Nippoldt is a consultant in the Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Nutrition and works with patients who have disorders of the hormone-producing glands. Common disorders include diabetes, thyroid problems, osteoporosis and elevated cholesterol levels.
He also is involved in andrology, the study of male hormonal disorders, male infertility and sexual dysfunction and is an assistant professor of medicine at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine.
Dr. Nippoldt, a St. Paul, Minn., native, has also contributed to "Mayo Clinic Health Letter," a Mayo Clinic CD-ROM and the "Mayo Clinic Family Health Book." He is a fellow in the American College of Physicians and a member of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, the American Society of Andrology, The Endocrine Society, The Pituitary Society and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists.
"I have found that those patients who have gone to the Internet and obtained accurate medical information come to their appointment with me very well informed, and the discussions regarding the evaluation and management of their condition are very productive and satisfying," he says.
"The key, however, is obtaining accurate medical information. As a medical editor for MayoClinic.com, I hope to be able to ensure that accurate, relevant and up-to-date information is available for patients and their families."
Labor and delivery (3)
- Cord blood banking: Should I consider it?
- Back labor: What are the symptoms?
- Lower back tattoo: Can it prevent an epidural for labor pain?
Postpartum care (4)
- Postpartum preeclampsia: What causes it?
- Lactation suppression: Can medication help?
- Postpartum thyroiditis: What are the signs and symptoms?
- see all in Postpartum care
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Question
Postpartum thyroiditis: What are the signs and symptoms?
What are the signs and symptoms of postpartum thyroiditis?
Answer
from Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D.
Postpartum thyroiditis is a painless inflammation of the thyroid gland that can occur in the mother usually within two to six months after childbirth. The cause of this uncommon condition isn't known. You may be at increased risk of postpartum thyroiditis if you have an immune system disorder, a history of thyroiditis or type 1 diabetes.
If you have postpartum thyroiditis, you may initially experience signs and symptoms of overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), which may include rapid heartbeat, sudden and unexplained weight loss, nervousness, fatigue, and increased sensitivity to heat. A diagnosis of hyperthyroidism can be confirmed by blood tests. Treatment may include beta blockers to reduce symptoms.
Later, you may develop signs and symptoms of underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), which may include unexplained weight gain, hoarse voice, constipation, puffy face, fatigue and increased sensitivity to cold. A diagnosis of hypothyroidism can be confirmed with blood tests. Treatment may include thyroid replacement hormone.
In many cases, thyroid function returns to normal, which may occur in as little as a month or take up to several years. However, some women develop long-term hypothyroidism and need lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy.
Next questionSagging breasts: Inevitable after breast-feeding?
- Thyroid and other endocrine disorders. In: Cunningham FG, et al. Williams Obstetrics. 22nd ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2005. Accessed Feb. 19, 2009.
- Burman KD. Postpartum thyroiditis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 19, 2009.
- Hughes K, et al. Thyroiditis. In: Rakel RE, et al. Conn's Current Therapy. 60th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. Accessed Feb. 20, 2009.
- Hypothyroidism (Myxedema). The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. Accessed Feb. 20, 2009.
- Hyperthyroidism (Thyrotoxicosis). The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. Accessed Feb. 20, 2009.
