Could This be a thyroid issue?

[sharon331]

I just recently had a baby and I've noticed swelling on either side of my neck. I thought
it was just extra fat that I carried in pregnancy. I noticed it around my 8th month.
Now that I'm not pregnant, it is still there. I notice the swelling on one side more than
the other. The swelling is at the base of the neck and a little on the shoulder. It
doesn't hurt, but just looks awkward to me. I also notice a slight swelling at the base of
the neck in the front. Not noticeable at all. Do you think this could be a thyroid issue,
and also my milk supply has not been what it needs to be and I have needed to supplement
along with breastfeeding.

[sharon331]

Thanks so much for replying to my question. I haven't felt any symptoms whatsoever
other than the swelling. I am considering having some blood work. It has been really
difficult with supplementing milk, because I want to breastfeed only. I have felt some
postpartum blues at times, mmm... wonder if that could be related as you mentioned.
Thanks, Sharon 331

[Katherine7]

Hi Sharon,
It is possible that it could be your thyroid. Some women develop Postpartum Thyroiditis which first reveals itself as a hyperfunctioning thyroid for several months and then goes into a hypothyroid phase after which it normalizes in about a year or so. Some women remaind hypothyroid. Breast feeding can be difficult due to prolactine levels that are afected.

I would notify your Primary Physician of both the swelling (possible goiter) and the reduced milk production as well as any additional symptoms that you possibly might have noticed like feeling jittery, heart palpitations, intolerance to heat, hairloss, weakness, shortness of breath. Depression may also be a symptom of both hyper- and hypothyroidism, but may be misinterpreted as postpartum depression without bloodwork for thyroid function.

For future reference the current normal range for TSH is considered to be 0.3-3.0 uIU/mL.

Sincerely Katherine7