Postpartum thyroiditis prognosis?

• A. Will progress to goiter
• B. Should return to euthyroid state, but may progress to goiter and chronic thyroid dysfunction
• C. Will result in permanent hypothyroidism
• D. Will cause hyperthyroidism that persists

Answer: (B)

Postpartum thyroiditis is an autoimmune thyroid condition that occurs within the first year after delivery and often follows a pattern of a short hyperthyroid phase followed by a hypothyroid phase. The usual course is resolution with return to normal thyroid function (euthyroid) within about a year for most women. However, some individuals may not fully recover and can develop chronic thyroid dysfunction, including permanent hypothyroidism, and may have persistent gland enlargement (goiter) due to ongoing autoimmune thyroid disease. The key point is that while recovery to euthyroid status is common, there is a real risk of lasting thyroid problems, which is why the statement that best fits prognosis is that most return to euthyroid, but some may progress to goiter and chronic thyroid dysfunction.