skip to main content

Postpartum thyroiditis — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModerateOB/GYN (prenatal care, contraception, screening)Postpartum thyroiditisUSMLE Step 3

A 35-year-old woman has palpitations, anxiety, and weight loss 3 months after delivery. Thyroid is nontender. TSH is low, free T4 is mildly elevated, and radioactive iodine uptake is low. Which of the following is the most likely explanation for this patient's findings?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: E — Postpartum thyroiditis

Postpartum thyroiditis causes transient thyrotoxicosis from thyroid hormone release and has low radioactive iodine uptake.

Reference: American Thyroid Association Thyroid Disease in Pregnancy and Postpartum Guideline