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What Causes Weight Loss Post Child Birth?

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Posted on Fri, 27 Jun 2014
Question: my wife has quickly lost weight since last year. she delivered our son in April 2013 and she progressively lost weight now she's 84 pounds and she 5'2 she's been at this weight since 8 months and she doesn't gain very much while she still eats. if there are any questions that can help make a educated check at the hospital? please help.
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Answered by Dr. Luchuo Engelbert Bain (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Thyroid function tests, Diabetes, screen for HIV,

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the query,

It might be of interest to know if she experiences any signs like chronic fever, malaise, night sweats, sever fatigue, chronic cough or not. She should for sure have done a fasting blood sugar to check for diabetes. Hope it s ok. Knowing how many times she urinates and how frequently she eats would be important to rule out diabetes.

Palpitations, heat intolerance and excessive eating at times could associated with excessive thyroid function. Checking for blood thyroid hormones could be useful. A HIV test is the rule to rule out any unexplained weight loss.

Most women however put on weight after delivery. Some do lose weight, but this deserve a careful evaluation.
A proper clinical review by her doctor would guide the potential tests to be asked by your doctor if need be.

I do think a visit to a doctor is useful, for common tests, especially thyroid function, diabetes, HIV test to be run. A screen abdominal ultrasound, complete blood count, chest X ray are generally very informative from the start.

Thanks and kind regards.

Dr Bain
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
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Answered by
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Dr. Luchuo Engelbert Bain

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 3092 Questions

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What Causes Weight Loss Post Child Birth?

Brief Answer: Thyroid function tests, Diabetes, screen for HIV, Detailed Answer: Hi and thanks for the query, It might be of interest to know if she experiences any signs like chronic fever, malaise, night sweats, sever fatigue, chronic cough or not. She should for sure have done a fasting blood sugar to check for diabetes. Hope it s ok. Knowing how many times she urinates and how frequently she eats would be important to rule out diabetes. Palpitations, heat intolerance and excessive eating at times could associated with excessive thyroid function. Checking for blood thyroid hormones could be useful. A HIV test is the rule to rule out any unexplained weight loss. Most women however put on weight after delivery. Some do lose weight, but this deserve a careful evaluation. A proper clinical review by her doctor would guide the potential tests to be asked by your doctor if need be. I do think a visit to a doctor is useful, for common tests, especially thyroid function, diabetes, HIV test to be run. A screen abdominal ultrasound, complete blood count, chest X ray are generally very informative from the start. Thanks and kind regards. Dr Bain