Which hormone levels are typically elevated in thyrotoxic postpartum thyroiditis?

Thyrotoxic postpartum thyroiditis is characterized by a temporary elevation of thyroid hormones following childbirth. In this condition, the immune system can attack the thyroid gland, leading to a release of stored thyroid hormones into the bloodstream. This typically includes an increase in both T4 (thyroxine) and thyroglobulin levels.

T4 is the primary hormone produced by the thyroid gland and is key to regulating metabolism, while thyroglobulin is a protein used by the thyroid to store thyroid hormones. Elevated levels of thyroglobulin in this context often indicate increased thyroid activity and thyroid gland disruption, common in autoimmune conditions like postpartum thyroiditis.

In the case of thyrotoxic postpartum thyroiditis, TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) levels are usually suppressed due to the high levels of circulating thyroid hormones (T4 and T3), as TSH is released from the pituitary gland in response to low thyroid hormone levels. Therefore, it is not consistent to see elevated TSH measured during this condition.

Consequently, the correct response identifies the elevation of both T4 and thyroglobulin, which is characteristic of the thyrotoxic phase of postpartum thyroiditis. Understanding these hormonal changes is essential for proper diagnosis