From the FDA Drug Label
Monitor serum TSH 4 to 8 weeks postpartum. The woman should be retested for thyroid abnormalities 4 to 8 weeks postpartum 1.
From the Research
Women who develop thyroid abnormalities during pregnancy should be retested at approximately 6 to 12 weeks postpartum. This timing allows the body to return to its non-pregnant state, as pregnancy-related hormonal changes that affect thyroid function typically resolve within this timeframe 2. For women who started thyroid medication during pregnancy (such as levothyroxine for hypothyroidism), this check is crucial to determine whether continued treatment is necessary or if dosage adjustments are needed. Some women experience temporary thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy that resolves after delivery, while others may have underlying thyroid conditions requiring ongoing management. The postpartum period also carries risk for new thyroid disorders, particularly autoimmune conditions like postpartum thyroiditis, which can appear within the first year after delivery. If symptoms persist or new symptoms develop after the initial check, additional testing may be warranted regardless of the timeframe.
Key considerations for postpartum thyroid testing include:
- The presence of thyroid antibodies, which can increase the risk of postpartum thyroiditis 3
- A history of autoimmune disorders, which can also increase the risk of postpartum thyroiditis 3
- The need for ongoing monitoring and potential dosage adjustments for women taking thyroid medication 2
- The importance of proper monitoring for maternal wellbeing after pregnancy, given the critical role of the thyroid gland in metabolism, energy regulation, and overall health.
It is essential to prioritize the most recent and highest quality study, which in this case is from 1996, as it provides specific guidance on postpartum reassessment at 6 to 12 weeks 2. While more recent studies discuss various aspects of thyroid disorders in pregnancy and the postpartum period, they do not provide more specific or conflicting recommendations regarding the timing of postpartum thyroid testing 4, 5, 3, 6.