Thyroiditis

Posted on by

Thyroiditis represents a group of conditions that cause the inflammation of the thyroid gland. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is the most common type of thyroiditis and affects approximately 1% to 2% of people in the United States.

Other types of thyroiditis include:

  • Silent or painless thyroiditis
  • Postpartum thyroiditis
  • Radiation-induced thyroiditis
  • Subacute thyroiditis or de Quervain’s thyroiditis
  • Acute infectious thyroiditis
  • Drug-induced thyroiditis
  • Riedel thyroiditis

Thyroiditis can affect anyone, but it is more commonly seen in women. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is four to 10 times more common in women and most often develops between the ages of 30 to 50. Silent or painless thyroiditis is also common in women and is the next most common cause of thyroiditis after Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. The other types are rarer.

Thyroiditis can lead to over- or underproduction of thyroid hormone. In most types of thyroiditis, there are three phases. They include:

  1. Thyrotoxic phase: during this phase, your thyroid is inflamed and releases too many hormones, causing temporary thyrotoxicosis.
  2. Hypothyroid phase: following the excessive release of thyroid hormones for a few weeks or months, your thyroid won’t have enough thyroid hormones to release. This leads to a lack of thyroid hormones or hypothyroidism. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and radiation-induced thyroiditis usually permanently stay in the hypothyroid phase.
  3. Euthyroid phase: During this phase, your thyroid hormone levels are normal. This phase may come temporarily after the thyrotoxic phase, before going to the hypothyroid phase, or it may come at the end, after your thyroid gland has recovered from the inflammation and can maintain a normal hormone level.

The symptoms of thyroiditis depend on the type of thyroiditis and its phase. Most types of thyroiditis cause thyrotoxicosis symptoms followed by hypothyroid symptoms. Subacute thyroiditis and acute infectious thyroiditis usually also cause pain in your thyroid area, with some people having an enlarged thyroid gland called a goiter.

The thyrotoxic phase of thyroiditis is usually short, lasting one to three months. If the cells of your thyroid are damaged quickly and there is a leak of excess thyroid hormone, you might experience symptoms of an overactive thyroid or hyperthyroidism. Symptoms include:

  • A fast heart rate
  • An increased appetite
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Anxiety and nervousness
  • Irritability
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Increased sweating and sensitivity to heat
  • Tremors

The hypothyroid phase of thyroiditis can be long-lasting and may become permanent. If your thyroid cells are damaged and thyroid levels fall, you may experience symptoms of hypothyroidism. They include:

  • Fatigue
  • Unexplained weight gain
  • Constipation
  • Depression
  • Dry skin
  • Increased sensitivity to cold
  • Muscle weakness
  • Decreased ability to concentrate and focus

To diagnose thyroiditis, a healthcare provider may perform a physical exam, assess your thyroid, and ask you questions about your symptoms and medical history. If thyroiditis is suspected, they will order a combination of tests to diagnose it, including:

  • Thyroid function tests
  • An ultrasound of your thyroid
  • Thyroid antibody tests
  • An erythrocyte sedimentation rate blood test
  • C-reactive protein (CRP)
  • Radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU) test

The treatment for thyroiditis depends on the type and its symptoms. The thyrotoxic phase of thyroiditis is treated with beta-blockers. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is treated with thyroid hormone replacement medication due to it being a permanent condition. Acute infectious thyroiditis is treated with antibiotics because the infection of your thyroid needs to be treated.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of thyroiditis, you can receive treatment from an endocrinologist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.