Not feeling well 20 months after giving birth - help...

[jenbob83]

Hi - I gave birth to my little girl 20 July 17. I had postpartum thyroiditis after birth (over active then underactive thyroid in space of 12 months) but was signed off well at about 14 months postpartum. I have recently noticed hair loss, tiredness and exhaustion, a ringing in my ears, mood swings and irritability and symptoms which feel very hormonal?!? (and have come and gone throughout my postnatal journey) I haven't used these forums before but I wondered if anyone out there felt or has experienced the same? Just not feeling themselves since having a baby? I have been to the docs several times for various tests but they just keep telling me I am well. I am sure I need to give my body time (after thyroiditis etc) but I can't really remember the last time I felt like myself - had any energy etc. I feel about 100! Little one is sleeping well, really placid and no bother at all and I am tired of being told 'you're a new mum, you went back to work, you're on your period etc....I feel like I know there's something not quite right. I fear for my own periods at the minute! Just seeing if anyone out there recognises this or can share similar experiences? has found good health hard to come by since giving birth? or has found a way to support their wellness etc...Thanks.

Have you had your blood tested for b12 levels? May be worth ruling out. I have a b12 deficiency and a lot of the symptoms like being irritable and tired all of the time are common.

I got progressively more exhausted after my youngest but as she didn't sleep for 4 years it's only when I was finally getting proper sleep that I realised I was still exhausted. I discovered I had pernicious anaemia, an autoimmune disease which destroys your ability to absorb b12 and leaves you basically crippled with extreme fatigue. It was probably exacerbated by my pregnancies. One of the reasons I put off going to the doctors so long was because I thought they'd just put it down to being at home with 3 young children/babies.
I'd go back and ask for more blood tests though if you know you don't feel right.

Yes, i recognose the symptoms and also had thyroid issues post partum, the fatigue was like nothing else, debilitating. How was the thyroid issue resolved, are you still on meds and are you at optimal range? (Not just about in range). I had to stay on medication long term for hypothyroidism.

I second the suggestion of B12 check and also all iron bloods including ferritin and also Vitamin D. Ask for copies of all bloods and dont accept them telling you you are well when you clearly feel unwell. I know its difficult to muster the energy to tackle it.

Hi my thyroid function returned to normal and was signed off at 1.92 - all good for about six wks then slow return of symptoms. Had all other bloods you mention checked, all good (ferretin is still a little lower than I would like but shouldnt be causing such hoo ha) vit D is v good after I got fed up and saw nutritionist and b12 all good. I had my bloods done a couple of weeks ago and TSH was 1.75 (tiny difference) but as endocrinologist advised checked again yest (another 2 weeks on). Symptoms have intensified and I wouldnt be surprised if I was gearing up for another round of Thyroiditis...not sure if this is even possible!?!? Thanks for responding its just nice to hear another voice at the v.least. I have learnt the hard way about numbers, printing and fighting for the right to be well and I am exhausted of the battle. Thanks again.

Sorry I didnt see other replies until now...I was convinced it could be B12 given the symptoms and have even had my active b12 checked privately...all well....in essence doc thinks I am fine. I should just be patient and wait for results next Tue but am feeling so fed up about it all and sometimes quite alone. Most friends have bounced back and even enjoyed a few date nights! Whilst I am scraping through some days. Here's my thyroidits story: lifelovesandlearning.blog/2018/09/11/postpartum-thyroiditis/
It may be of use to others in the future and is primarily why I am exhausted of the journey. I just keep getting told I have mental health problems but I have been in this position several times and have always been right about my own body. Thanks again

I felt like this when my son was 11 months. Had various bloods taken. Was deficient in vitamin d. Took the supplement, didn't help much. Thought anemia so drank spinach / kale smoothies. Turned out it was chronic fatigue syndrome after a virus (I also have chronic Lyme). Still recovering 3.5 years later but up to about 80% well now