Navigating Postpartum Thyroid Fatigue, Thyroiditis, and Recovery After Pregnancy

After pregnancy, I began experiencing persistent fatigue, thyroid symptoms, and physical changes I didn’t fully understand at first. What followed has been a long and evolving experience with postpartum thyroid fatigue and postpartum thyroiditis, including flares, gradual improvement, and ongoing monitoring.

This post shares my personal experience navigating thyroid symptoms after pregnancy, how things have unfolded over time, and updates as my recovery continues.

Postpartum Thyroid Updates

This post includes ongoing updates to reflect my experience with postpartum thyroiditis and recovery after pregnancy.

Update – January 2026: Postpartum Thyroiditis Recovery

Over the past few months, I’ve been feeling significantly better overall. At my most recent endocrinology appointment in November, my thyroid bloodwork continued to show improvement, confirming that I was moving in the right direction.

At this stage, my endocrinologist believes I am experiencing postpartum thyroiditis rather than Hashimoto’s disease, though we are continuing to monitor my labs to see whether thyroid antibodies fully resolve over time.

I’ve continued taking my supplements and prioritizing rest when possible. I haven’t been fully consistent with an anti-inflammatory diet, mainly because my postpartum thyroid symptoms have improved and my energy levels have increased. Along with these physical improvements, I’ve noticed less anxiety and irritability, and my mood feels more stable than it did earlier in my postpartum thyroid journey.

Looking back, I believe my thyroid symptoms may have started during my first pregnancy in May 2023, and that recovery has taken longer due to two pregnancies close together. With these improvements, I’ve been able to focus more on movement and fitness, which has felt like a positive and sustainable part of my ongoing thyroid recovery after pregnancy.

Update – September 2025: Postpartum Thyroid Flare and Fatigue

In late July, I experienced another postpartum thyroid flare that lasted for over a month and felt similar to the flu, with extreme fatigue, muscle aches, and low mood. Looking back, I believe this flare was likely triggered by reducing my supplements and returning to a more inflammatory diet.

I restarted my supplements shortly after and made dietary changes again, though it took time before I noticed consistent improvement. My most recent thyroid bloodwork showed overall improvement, though my TPO antibodies increased to 103, compared to 9 in May.

Over the following weeks, I began feeling more energized and closer to my baseline, which felt encouraging after a prolonged period of postpartum thyroid fatigue.

“Sometimes the strength of motherhood is greater than natural laws.”
—Barbara Kingsolver, Homeland and Other Stories

My Postpartum Fatigue: When Rest Wasn’t Enough

After the birth of my daughter, Samantha, in July 2024, I initially attributed my extreme fatigue to hormonal fluctuations and the toll of sleep deprivation. But as months passed and Samantha began sleeping through the night, I finally had a chance to rest—only to realize that something deeper was wrong. My energy didn’t return. That’s when I began to question whether there might be a hidden issue at play, possibly related to postpartum thyroid symptoms.

I started digging into postpartum health and came across Dr. Oscar Serrallach’s book, The Postnatal Depletion Cure. His questionnaires resonated deeply with me, and for the first time, I considered that I might be dealing with more than just standard postpartum exhaustion. I brought his book and a list of recommended tests to my primary care doctor. While she agreed to run a few of them, others were dismissed or unavailable at my lab. It was a discouraging start.

Getting a Diagnosis

Eventually, after extensive blood work and an ultrasound, I received confirmation that I was dealing with postpartum thyroiditis. My test results revealed elevated thyroid antibodies (TPO and Thyroglobulin), and my TSH was low—signs that my thyroid was under attack. I felt persistently unwell, like I was fighting off the flu without actually being sick. In hindsight, I believe my thyroid issues may have started during pregnancy with Baby Girl in 2023, and I was disappointed that no thyroid screening had been done by my OB providers despite my ongoing fatigue. Instead, it was brushed off as just another part of a “normal” pregnancy—when in reality, it was anything but normal for me.

Scheduling an Appointment with a Specialist

It took over three months of searching and waiting to finally get an appointment with an endocrinologist. I walked in hoping to hear something reassuring—that this was temporary or easily managed. Instead, I left with a possible diagnosis of Hashimoto’s disease and a heavy heart. The specialist even told me I might never feel like my old self again. That hit me hard. I remember thinking, I need to feel well now—my daughter depends on me.

Starting a Healing Plan

Still, I wasn’t ready to give up. Even before I saw the endocrinologist, I dove deep into research and began taking supplements aimed at reducing thyroid antibodies and supporting hormone balance. I also adopted a more anti-inflammatory diet. At first, I felt better. But by mid-April, my symptoms returned with a vengeance—especially severe throat pain and crushing fatigue. It felt like something else was going on.

Discovering a Possible Epstein-Barr Connection

I remembered having a sore throat a few weeks prior with no other symptoms. That’s when I stumbled on research linking Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) to Hashimoto’s. Many people carry EBV, but it can reactivate during times of stress or hormonal change—like postpartum. Learn more about Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). I requested EBV testing, and while my doctor was hesitant, he eventually agreed. Unfortunately, the test only confirmed a past infection and didn’t assess reactivation.

Despite that setback, I trusted my instincts and adjusted my healing approach. I focused on immune-supporting supplements, prioritized rest, and eliminated inflammatory foods like gluten, dairy, and refined sugar. Slowly, the persistent fatigue and flu-like symptoms began to lift. I started feeling more like myself again.

Becoming My Own Advocate

Looking back, I wish I had pushed for thyroid testing sooner. Understanding when to test for thyroid problems after pregnancy could have helped me take action much earlier—and possibly avoid months of unnecessary struggle. It still shocks me how many postpartum women silently cope with fatigue, anxiety, and depression—without ever being screened for thyroid disorders. If you’re wondering when to test for thyroid problems after pregnancy, don’t wait for someone to suggest it—ask.

This journey taught me the importance of being my own advocate. Doctors are knowledgeable, but they don’t always see the full picture—especially in brief appointments. I had to dig deep, ask the right questions, and insist on testing. And I’m so grateful I did. Postpartum thyroiditis isn’t something to overlook—it can lead to long-term thyroid dysfunction if left unaddressed. In a long-term study, 56% of women who experienced postpartum thyroiditis during the hypothyroid phase developed permanent hypothyroidism over an 8‑year follow-up period. Read the study.

Embracing Healing

Today, I feel better than I have in years. I have more energy and a renewed appreciation for my body and everything it’s been through. Healing my thyroid completely changed how I view self-care and postpartum recovery.

If you’re still feeling exhausted long after giving birth, it may be time for a thyroid health check after pregnancy, please don’t ignore it. Listen to your body—you could be overdue for a thyroid health check after pregnancy, and it might be something deeper than “just mom tired.”

Your Questions Answered: Postpartum Thyroiditis, Hashimoto’s, and EBV

If you’re navigating postpartum fatigue, thyroid symptoms, or just feeling “off” after having a baby, you’re not alone. These frequently asked questions may help you understand what could be going on and what steps to take.

What are the symptoms of postpartum thyroid problems?

Common symptoms include fatigue, mood swings, anxiety, weight changes, hair thinning, dry skin, and sensitivity to cold. These signs can often be mistaken for typical postpartum recovery, making diagnosis difficult without proper blood tests.

How soon after giving birth can postpartum thyroid issues appear?

Postpartum thyroiditis usually appears within the first year after childbirth, often between 1 to 6 months postpartum.

What’s the difference between postpartum thyroiditis and Hashimoto’s disease?

Postpartum thyroiditis is often temporary and may resolve on its own, while Hashimoto’s disease is a chronic autoimmune condition that typically requires long-term management. You can read more about postpartum thyroiditis here.

Can pregnancy trigger thyroid problems?

Yes. Pregnancy and the postpartum period can trigger or worsen autoimmune thyroid issues, especially if you’re genetically predisposed.

How is postpartum thyroid disease diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves blood tests for TSH, Free T3, Free T4, and thyroid antibodies (TPO and Thyroglobulin). An ultrasound may also be performed to assess thyroid structure.

Can Epstein-Barr virus trigger thyroid problems?

Research suggests a connection between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and autoimmune thyroid diseases like Hashimoto’s. One study found EBV involvement in about 35% of Hashimoto’s cases, and reactivation during postpartum may contribute to thyroid dysfunction.

What are natural ways to support thyroid health postpartum?

Eat anti-inflammatory foods (gluten-free, dairy-free, low sugar)
Reduce stress
Prioritize sleep
Take supplements like selenium, zinc, vitamin D, and B12
Always consult with a healthcare provider

Should I ask my doctor for thyroid testing after giving birth?

Absolutely. If you’re feeling persistently tired, anxious, or “off” postpartum, request comprehensive thyroid testing—even if it’s not initially suggested.

Have you walked a similar path with postpartum thyroid issues or Hashimoto’s?
I’d love to hear about your experience—your challenges, your breakthroughs, or anything that might help another mama feel less alone.
Please share your story in the comments below. Let’s lift each other up and heal together.