Cases of thyrotoxicosis due to Graves’ disease occur
more frequently during the post partum period than
at other times in women of childbearing age (49).
In the months following delivery, exacerbation of
immune reactivity occurs between 3 and 12 months
post partum (50). Therefore, autoimmune thyroid disorders
may begin to recur or exacerbate during this
crucial period. Graves’ disease and post partum thyroiditis
are two major causes of thyrotoxicosis in the first
year after delivery