Breastfeeding in women with hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a situation in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. It is usually more frequent in women than in men, and is often diagnosed during the first trimester of pregnancy. The thyroid gland is a very important organ, since the hormones it produces control the

Hypothyroidism is a situation in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. It is usually more frequent in women than in men, and is often diagnosed during the first trimester of pregnancy.

The thyroid gland is a very important organ, since the hormones it produces control the way in which the cells of our body control and use energy (metabolism).

Symptoms of hypothyroidism in pregnant women

The causes of hypothyroidism are multiple, and among the symptoms we find:

- Weight gain without explanation

- Constipation

- Tiredness

- Worse tolerance to the cold

- Sadness, apathy, depression

- Paleness, dry skin, brittle hair

Once diagnosed, the treatment is very simple and the symptoms are controlled. The endocrine will prescribe thyroid hormone that replaces the deficit we have.

Hypothyroidism during pregnancy and breastfeeding

During pregnancy there is an increase in the demand for thyroid hormone of between 30 and 50%. In the first weeks of pregnancy the mother's thyroid is the only source of thyroid hormone for the fetus por, so the controls must be rigorous and frequent, an early diagnosis can avoid complications in pregnancy and later, in the lactation.Sometimes an uncontrolled hypothyroidism

can lead to hypogalactia , that is, absence or significant decrease in milk production in the mother. This happens because the presence of thyroid hormone is a fundamental requirement for milk production to begin. If this occurs, hormone replacement therapy would allow breastfeeding to continue. Skin-to-skin contact between mother and child, breastfeeding on demand and nocturnal intake have a greater effect on milk production. To help the mother in her productionyou can even use galactogogues -always for a limited time and under medical supervision-. Contrary to what one might think, if a woman suffers from an alteration of the thyroid gland and is undergoing pharmacological treatment, breastfeeding is not contraindicated.

However, as we always say, early diagnosis and adequate treatment of thyroid disorders are the best weapons to promote the health of both the mother and the baby.

Complete and correct information is what many mothers claim and need. Unfortunately, due to misinformation many women give up breastfeeding.