Breastfeeding and thyroid disease



Did you know that thyroid hormones play a role in the production of breastmilk?

So if you have a thyroid disorder it’s important that your thyroid hormone levels are well controlled after pregnancy, as well as before and during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding is safe while taking levothyroxine to treat an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) as it is secreted in extremely low levels into breastmilk.
It is generally safe to breastfeed while taking antithyroid drugs to treat an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) provided the dose is low but you should check with your endocrinologist.
Antithyroid drugs are best taken in smaller doses over two or three times a day following a feed.
If you require higher doses of antithyroid drugs to control hyperthyroidism then your baby can have a blood test to check whether its thyroid is being affected.

Mothers with Graves’ disease who are not taking antithyroid drugs can safely breastfeed.

Please help us help others

With your support we can help people to live better with thyroid disease. Your donations also fund vital research to improve treatments.

Please consider making a donation or becoming a member.

Please select a donation amount (required)
Set up a regular payment Donate

Become a member

Published:

Updated:

Author: Anna Woollven

Share this page
Manage Cookie Preferences