January 19, 2012

Q: I gave birth to a baby girl about six months ago and have been feeling sad and have no energy. I’ve heard of postpartum depression, but could my symptoms be something else?

A: Postpartum depression, also known as PPD, affects as many as one in 10 women. but what many women don’t know is that postpartum thyroid disease is equally as common, and may actually be the underlying cause of the PPD in some women.

Even though some degree of fatigue and mood change is expected by doctors after the arrival of a baby, often both PPD and postpartum thyroid disease are written off as normal for a new mother, and not diagnosed and treated properly.

So, before your doctor diagnoses postpartum depression, you should be evaluated for postpartum thyroid disease. even among women who have never had any thyroid problems prior to pregnancy, thyroid problems after pregnancy occur in 10 percent of all new mothers.

Symptoms of postpartum thyroid problems can mimic postpartum depression, with a few critical differences.

• an underactive thyroid — postpartum hypothyroidism — may worsen the fatigue and exhaustion and may cause a woman to gain weight during the postpartum period, experience cold intolerance, constipation and dry skin.
• an overactive thyroid — postpartum hyperthyroidism — may cause rapid weight loss, rapid heart rate, anxiety, irritability and possible tremors.

For some women, postpartum thyroid problems can be temporary, lasting anywhere from several months to as long as a year. For other women, however, thyroid imbalances after birth are the beginning of a lifelong autoimmune condition, such as Hashimoto’s or Graves’ disease, that requires ongoing monitoring and treatment.

I would advise you to make an appointment with your primary care physician or obstetrician. if your doctor suspects postpartum thyroid disease, you will have various tests, including blood tests, and in some cases, ultrasound or other imaging tests, to make a proper diagnosis.

Yardlie Toussaint-Foster, DO, is certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. she specializes in obstetrics and gynecology at PMC Physician Associates in East Stroudsburg, Tobyhanna and Bartonsville.

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?Indian women are at a high risk of developing cervical cancer. Of the total 10 women who die of the disease every hour in Southeast Asia, eight are from India. Cervical cancer has become the most common cancer among women in India with 1 lakh new cases reported every year,? said Dr Seema Wadhwa, Consultant, Gynecology, Fortis Hospital.

Addressing a seminar on `Cervical cancer and other gynecological problems?, Dr Wadhwa said: ?Cervical cancer is potentially curable if detected early due to its long pre-cancer state that may extend from 7-10 years. It is the best example of cancer prevention. also, the abnormal cells shed from the cervix can be easily picked up during the screening by a pap smear test.?

Explaining the risk factors, she said the chances of getting cervical cancer increase in case of multiple sexual partners, promiscuous partner, early age of first coital experience, early child bearing, prior history of sexually transmitted diseases, long term usage of oral contraceptives, cigarette smoking, immunodeficiency and most importantly viral infection with human papilloma virus (HPV). Talking about the symptoms, she said: ?A woman should seek medical guidance in case of abnormal vaginal bleeding, bleeding after menopause, bleeding following coitus or pelvic examination or increased vaginal discharge. The diagnosis is confirmed by a biopsy.?

Advising the women to get themselves regularly screened for cancer, the expert said: ?Pap smear is the single most effective cancer screening test. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends screening annually for all women under the age of 30 starting from 18 years or when the girl becomes sexually active. over the age of 30, one can space the screening to every two to three years if the last three tests have been negative and some other conditions are met. The peak age of developing cervical cancer is 40-50 years,? Dr Wadhwa added.

Reporter: MARINA BERRY Date online: 24 January 2011

A SHAW woman who waged a two-and-a-half year battle against cervical cancer has joined Oldham’s Macmillan nurses to send out a vital message which could save lives. Nicola Craffey has thrown her weight behind campaigns to raise awareness of the symptoms in a bid to encourage women to have cervical screening. the 30-year-old, of Britannia Avenue, is in remission after undergoing a radical hysterectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy following her diagnosis in 2008. And she is supporting this week’s Cervical Cancer Prevention Week with its message: screening can save your life. Cervical cancer is a preventable disease but despite this two in 10 women failed to take up invitations for screening in the UK last year. In addition, only half of girls offered the HPV vaccine in a catch-up programme, chose to have the potentially life-saving jab. More than 2,800 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year in the UK, and nearly 1,000 women die from it. after breast cancer, it is the second most common cancer in women aged 35 and under. it was brought to the fore two years ago when reality TV star Jade Goody died from the disease at the age of 27. she campaigned relentlessly during the last few weeks of her life to highlight the importance of cervical screening, and this week’s event echoes that message. A stand will be in the glass tunnel entrance at he Royal Oldham Hospital for the rest of the week, with information supplied by Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust (Jo’s Trust). it is the the only UK charity dedicated to women and their families affected by cervical cancer and cervical abnormalities. Amanda Storey, Gynaecology Macmillan nurse at the Royal Oldham Hospital said: “our goal for Cervical Cancer Awareness Week is to promote the signs and symptoms of cervical cancer which women may experience. “we need to encourage women to attend for their smear tests, and if they are not happy to go back to their GP for a further consultation.” Signs and symptoms of cervical cancer include abnormal bleeding during sexual intercourse, between periods or post menopause, an unusual or unpleasant discharge, discomfort or pain during sex, and lower back pain. the week coincides with the launch of Jo’s Trust Helpline on 0808-802 8000, which provides information and support on a range of topics from screening concerns to cervical abnormalities, cancer, treatment and survivorship issues, to patients, carers and friends. Nicola is working with Jo’s Trust and Macmillan to set up a support group for women affected by cervical cancer and their families. for more information on Jo’s Trust visit jostrust.org.uk