Thought to be weight loss, turned into severe hyperthyroidism

Hanoi Ms. Mai, 30 years old, suddenly lost weight rapidly, was stressed, had insomnia, and was diagnosed by the doctor with increased thyroid hormone production.

Five months after giving birth, Ms. Mai lost 10 kg, down to 45 kg, thinking it was due to raising a small child. However, she felt tired for a long time, her milk supply decreased, her body was exhausted, so she went to Tam Anh General Hospital in Hanoi for examination.

On August 4, Dr. Le Ba Ngoc, Head of the Department of Internal Medicine, said that Ms. Mai's eyes were dark and sunken, and she was thin and anxious. Her heart rate was more than 120 beats per minute, and her thyroid hormone test F14 was 4 times higher than normal.

The doctor diagnosed the patient with severe hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid, producing too many hormones) after giving birth. The patient had subacute thyroiditis before giving birth, but did not get checked during pregnancy or after giving birth. According to Dr. Ngoc, Ms. Mai could have had hyperthyroidism during pregnancy without knowing it.

Doctor Ngoc examines a patient. Photo: Provided by the hospital — Doctor Ngoc examines a patient. Photo: *Provided by the hospital*

Ms. Mai stopped breastfeeding and was treated with high doses of synthetic antithyroid drugs (which help the thyroid gland reduce hormone secretion), vitamins, sleep therapy, and heart rate reduction. After a week, her symptoms improved and she slept better.

Doctor Ngoc recommends that postpartum women who show signs of insomnia, rapid weight loss, decreased milk production, anxiety, and rapid heart rate should be screened for thyroid disease. Early detection makes treatment easier. Pregnant women taking appropriate doses of antithyroid medication can still breastfeed.

Thyroid dysfunction (hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism) is common during pregnancy or after childbirth. Symptoms include severe nausea, poor or slow weight gain, fatigue, poor sleep and appetite, palpitations, and slow fetal growth.

Mothers with hyperthyroidism are more likely to have malnourished children, with a high risk of hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism during pregnancy is also a cause of miscarriage, premature birth, and preeclampsia. Pregnant women with this disease, if not detected in time, may experience exhaustion, complications of heart failure, and arrhythmia.

According to Dr. Ngoc, hyperthyroidism during pregnancy does not indicate termination of pregnancy as many pregnant women mistakenly believe. Pregnant women are afraid that taking medication will cause birth defects, affect milk production, and stop treatment, making the disease worse, which is dangerous for them and their fetus. Pregnant women should see a specialist to have their medication adjusted appropriately for each stage.

Thanh Ba

* Patient's name has been changed.

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