Breastfeeding and Thyroid Problems

The Thyroid is an organ responsible for the production of Thyroid hormones. It is a small butterfly-shaped gland in our neck that controls the rate of function of every cell in our body including growth, repair, and management. The hormones produced by the Thyroid are Thyroxine hormones (T4), containing 4 atoms of iodine and Triiodothyronine hormones(T3), containing 3 atoms of iodine (Shieri, Butler, and Lewis, 2007). The function of the Thyroid is to help us use iodine from foods that we eat and manufacture the two hormones, T3 and T4, which absorb iodine. These 2 hormones help regulate the way our body uses fats and carbohydrates.Fats and carbohydrates help our body regulate the production of proteins and also regulates out temperature as well as influences our heart rate, which beats faster and faster under the influence of Thyroid hormones. Thyroid disorders can be placed in two categories. Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the Thyroid does not make enough hormones. As a result, this person has a reduced amount of production and secretion of T3and T4. The most common form is Hashimoto's Disease, which usually diagnosed when your body has a high Thyroid stimulating hormones (TSH) and low levels of T3 and T4. Hypothyroidism is one cause of a low milk supply mom. Therefore, if you have Hypothyroidism, taking the proper dose of Thyroid hormones replacement medicine will allow you to breastfeed your baby.Thyroid hormone replacement medicine when needed, crosses in breast milk in small amounts and has no effect on the body. However, the blood hormone levels need to remain in normal range. Furthermore, if the baby is not gaining well, the mom's thyroid level may need to be retested Hyperthyroidism is an overactive Thyroid where the body secretes excessive amounts of Thyroid hormones T3 and T4. The most common type is Graves Disease or Diffuse Toxic Goiter. Postpartum Thyroid dysfunction is common especially in women with Hashimoto's Thyroid inflammation. Graves Disease is a type of autoimmune problem that causes the Thyroid gland to produce too much Thyroid hormones called Hyperthyroidism. Graves Disease affects more women than men. Symptoms include: anxiety, irritability, difficulty sleeping, fatigue, rapid or irregular heart rate, fine tremor of your hands or fingers, an increase and perspiration or warm, moist skin, heat sensitivity, weight loss, enlargement of the Thyroid gland (goiter), changes in menstrual cycles, erectile dysfunction, frequent bowel movements or diarrhea, bulging eyes (Graves Ophthalmology) and thick, red skin on top of the feet (Graves Dermatology).I have seen in my private practice many women breastfeed who have a Thyroid Problem. With careful guidance from their doctor and monitoring of their medications, moms should have no problems breastfeeding their baby. Remember to take your medications exactly prescribed by your doctor. During pregnancy, the demands for Thyroid hormones and iodine are greater than normal. In fact, the lack of Thyroid hormones in your system of an early stage developing fetus can cause mental retardation or dwarfism. Therefore, check yourself carefully at your doctor's office. Additionally, the placenta puts out a hormone to make the Thyroid work harder.Thyroid hormones are needed to initiate breastfeeding and when there isn't enough, that becomes a problem. The Thyroid Gland and hormones work together with iodine to complete a normal pregnancy. In fact, Iodine is put into the mother's milk by the lactating breast. Sometimes, a thyroid scan is usually recommended while breastfeeding. It involves an injection of radioactive iodine. Radioactive iodine will pass through your breast milk. Therefore, it is recommended to hold off on taking this test while breastfeeding. If the doctor requires you to do this test, ask for an alternative one such as a blood test or a fine needle aspiration.Many medications used during lactation is safe during breastfeeding even though most medications do pass into your breast milk. Medications according to Dr. Thomas Hale such as Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Levothroid, Thyroid Levo"T, Levoxyl, Thiouracil, Propylthiouracil (PTU), Methimazole (active metabolite of carbimazole), Tapazole, and Carbimazole are on Dr. Thomas Hales's list as being approved by the American Academy of Pediatrics. However, always check with your doctor first before using any medications while breastfeeding. In conclusion, Thyroid hormones are essential for the regulation of our metabolism and other functions of the body. Furthermore, everything working well in your body is the key to maintaining a good breast milk supply for your baby.Lastly, make sure your hormone levels are checked postpartum and your Thyroid level is at the right normal healthy level so breastfeeding and the production of your breast milk will go well for you.