Actress opens up about postpartum hyperthyroidism after 'rapid weight loss'

Actress and comedian Jenny Mollen recently took to social media to discuss a postpartum condition that affects more women than many realize. While she has yet to be diagnosed, the “Angel” actress believes she is struggling with postpartum hyperthyroidism after the birth of her second child with fellow actor Jason Biggs.

“Many of you have written and asked me about my rapid weight loss. Weight loss that to be honest, I couldn’t really explain until now. This morning I woke up with a giant bulge in my neck the size of a golf ball. I had blood work and an ultrasound, and will be waiting for the results over the weekend,” she wrote. “Though I am not certain, I have good reason to believe it is some sort of hyperthyroidism. Apparently this is common in women AFTER PREGNANCY. If anyone has experienced this or thinks they might have the same thing, please leave me a message below.”

An active thyroid is common during pregnancy because the butterfly-shaped gland regulates basic functions such as metabolism and pregnancy-related hormones. According to Dr. Zev Williams, M.D., Ph.D., chief of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Columbia University Medical Center, some women will experience an immune system malfunction where the thyroid goes into overdrive, also known as hyperthyroidism. Williams explains to Parents.com those suffering from hyperthyroidism experience many of the symptoms Mollen listed, as well as hot flashes, sweating, diarrhea, nervousness, emotional instability and many others.

ALSO SEE: Actress shares shocking photo after losing an ‘inordinate amount of weight’

Mollen has been keeping fans up to date on her Instagram account — although it originally started to let her followers know she was not suffering from an eating disorder.

“Not anorexia, it’s a thyroid issue. I don’t know what it says about me that I got this thin and didn’t think there was anything wrong. Last Friday, I had a bulge in my neck that finally got me to the doctor. I’m STILL waiting on blood work but my doc thinks it’s Graves’,” she wrote recently.

Postpartum thyroiditis or Graves’ disease could be the culprits for Mollen’s postpartum complications. Hyperthyroidism related to pregnancy can often be attributed to either of these diseases. With postpartum thyroiditis, the thyroid becomes inflamed within the first year after giving birth, occurring two to six months after child birth followed by a hypothyroid phase up until 12 months postpartum. For 90 per cent of women, thyroiditis does not last beyond one and a half years postpartum, resolving itself. For the remaining 10 per cent, the condition is permanent and requires medication to be treated.

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune condition where a malfunction in the immune system attacks the thyroid, forcing it to distribute more hormone than needed. According to Cleveland Clinic Endocrinologist Dr. Kevin Borst, D.O., Graves’ disease is part of a person’s DNA at birth but it may not be triggered until a woman becomes pregnant.

“Women are typically diagnosed 3-6 months after delivery,” Borst told Parents.com. “The symptoms of hyperthyroidism are typically more severe than in postpartum thyroiditis, and the thyroid gland is often palpable.”

Being female and pregnant are the primary risks for Graves’ disease, and with one in 10 Canadians having a thyroid condition, according to the Thyroid Foundation of Canada, this disease is a very real concern. While treatment is dependent on the age and physical condition of the patient, there are a variety of options available including radioactive iodine to shrink the thyroid gland, medications to address symptoms and, in rare cases, thyroid surgery to remove the gland may be recommended.

As for Mollen, she is being proactive in her treatment, seeking doctor recommendations and appropriate treatment.

ALSO SEE: Jason Biggs and Jenny Mollen welcome baby no. 2

Meanwhile, her post has received more thousands of likes and comments, with many of her followers sharing their personal experiences.

“My mom had babies back-to-back and had this! Super sluggish, sleeping all the time, she felt awful and had three young babes. Her thyroid was the size of a softball when they took it out! With medication and yearly blood work, her med mix stays sharp and so does she! I know my mom fought docs a long time that something wasn’t right but they couldn’t figure out what. Hoping you feel better soon!” wrote one follower.

“I have Graves’. Diagnosed in 2008, took PTU for years then did radioactive iodine therapy in 2012. I wish I did that from the start instead of suffering for years on medication that didn’t work and made me sicker. I now take Synthroid daily. Good luck. It isn’t easy but it gets better,” added another.

As for Mollen, she is using her celebrity status to encourage other new moms to get checked if they are suffering from similar symptoms =- or feel like something isn’t quite right.

“If you just had a baby and have lost an inordinate amount of weight, feel like you are on cocaine, are suddenly heat intolerant, can’t stop losing hair, and think your husband is being a dick it might just be your thyroid! Get checked ASAP.”

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