When you think of postpartum health struggles, postpartum depression is often the first thing that comes to mind. But what if your symptoms don’t quite fit? Maybe you had a surge of anxiety and a racing heart after giving birth—only for those to fade and be replaced with fatigue, weight gain, or feeling unusually cold.

If this sounds familiar, it may not be postpartum depression at all. Instead, you could be dealing with postpartum thyroiditis, a condition that affects around 5 to 10 percent of new moms but is often overlooked or mistaken for something else.

Postpartum Thyroiditis vs. Postpartum Depression

Because both conditions happen after childbirth and can leave moms feeling exhausted, it’s easy to confuse the two. Here’s how they differ:

Postpartum Thyroiditis

• Starts with a short phase of hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). During this time, you might notice anxiety, a racing heartbeat, or unexplained irritability.
  
• Then shifts into hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). Symptoms can include fatigue, constipation, weight gain, dry skin, and sensitivity to cold.
  

Postpartum Depression

• Fatigue is common, but it comes along with deeper emotional challenges. Moms may feel sad, hopeless, disconnected from their baby, or unable to enjoy things they normally would.
  
• In severe cases, there may be overwhelming thoughts of harm toward oneself or the baby—something that requires immediate medical attention.
  
• Unlike thyroiditis, postpartum depression is treated with therapy and/or medication, not thyroid medication.
  

It’s also worth noting the “baby blues.” These usually happen in the first couple of weeks after delivery and bring mild mood swings, tearfulness, and fatigue. The baby blues tend to resolve on their own, unlike thyroiditis or depression.

Who’s at Risk for Postpartum Thyroiditis?

The truth is, anyone can develop it—but it’s more likely if you have:

• A personal or family history of thyroid issues
  
• Type 1 diabetes
  
• Pre-existing thyroid concerns
  

Even if you don’t fall into these categories, it’s still possible to experience postpartum thyroiditis.

What You Can Do

The good news is that postpartum thyroiditis is often temporary and manageable. Many women don’t need medication, though some may require treatment depending on how severe their thyroid changes are. Here are a few important steps:

• Talk to your doctor. A simple thyroid blood test can help confirm what’s going on.
  
• Don’t ignore symptoms. Even if fatigue or mood swings seem like “just mom life,” they may point to something more.
  
• Support your body. Eating balanced meals, gentle exercise, and rest (as much as possible with a newborn!) can help ease symptoms.
  

The Bottom Line

Postpartum thyroiditis may not get as much attention as postpartum depression, but it can have a big impact on your well-being. The most important thing you can do is listen to your body and advocate for yourself. If something feels off, reach out to your OBGYN or healthcare provider. With the right care, you can manage your symptoms and focus on what matters most—your recovery and your new baby.