Thyroiditis is a general term that refers to inflammation of the thyroid gland, a small, butterfly-shaped organ located in the front of your neck. The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate your metabolism, body temperature, growth and development.
There are different types of thyroiditis, each with different causes, symptoms and treatments. Some types of thyroiditis are temporary and resolve on their own, while others are chronic and require lifelong medication.
We will explore the most common types of thyroiditis, their causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options.
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Hashimoto's thyroiditis, also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, is an autoimmune disorder in which your immune system attacks your own thyroid gland. This causes damage to the thyroid cells and reduces the production of thyroid hormones. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is the most common cause of hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, in the United States.
Hashimoto's thyroiditis is more common in women than men, especially between the ages of 30 and 50. It can also run in families and be associated with other autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and celiac disease.
The symptoms of Hashimoto's thyroiditis may include:
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Cold intolerance
- Dry skin
- Hair loss
- Constipation
- Depression
- Irregular periods
- Joint and muscle pain
- Goiter (enlarged thyroid gland)
Diagnosis of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
The diagnosis of Hashimoto's thyroiditis is based on your medical history, physical examination, blood tests and ultrasound. Blood tests can measure the levels of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), as well as the presence of antibodies against thyroid peroxidase (TPO) and thyroglobulin (TG), which are markers of autoimmune thyroid disease. Ultrasound can show the size and texture of your thyroid gland and detect any nodules or cysts.
The Treatment of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
The treatment of Hashimoto's thyroiditis is usually lifelong replacement therapy with synthetic thyroid hormone (levothyroxine). This medication restores the normal levels of thyroid hormones in your body and relieves your symptoms. You will need regular blood tests to monitor your hormone levels and adjust your dosage accordingly.
Subacute Thyroiditis
Subacute thyroiditis, also known as de Quervain's thyroiditis or granulomatous thyroiditis, is a rare condition that is thought to be triggered by a viral infection. It causes inflammation and leakage of thyroid hormones from the damaged gland, resulting in a temporary phase of hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid, followed by a phase of hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid. Most people recover completely within a few months.
Subacute thyroiditis is more common in women than men, especially between the ages of 30 and 50. It can occur after a respiratory infection, such as a cold or flu.
Symptoms of Subacute Thyroiditis
The symptoms of subacute thyroiditis may include:
- Fever
- Neck pain and tenderness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Hoarseness
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Nervousness
- Palpitations
- Sweating
- Heat intolerance
Diagnosis of Subacute Thyroiditis
The diagnosis of subacute thyroiditis is based on your medical history, physical examination, blood tests and biopsy. Blood tests can measure the levels of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), as well as the presence of inflammatory markers, such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP). Biopsy can confirm the presence of granulomas, which are clusters of immune cells that form in response to inflammation.
Treatment of Subacute Thyroiditis
The treatment of subacute thyroiditis is mainly symptomatic and supportive. You may need anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, to reduce pain and fever. You may also need beta-blockers, such as propranolol or atenolol, to control your heart rate and blood pressure during the hyperthyroid phase. You may need synthetic thyroid hormone (levothyroxine) during the hypothyroid phase if your symptoms are severe or persistent.
Postpartum Thyroiditis
Postpartum thyroiditis is a type of autoimmune thyroiditis that occurs after pregnancy. It affects about 5% of women who give birth, usually within the first year postpartum. It causes a transient phase of hyperthyroidism followed by a phase of hypothyroidism. About 20% to 40% of women who experience postpartum thyroiditis develop permanent hypothyroidism.
Postpartum thyroiditis is more common in women who have a history of autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, or who have positive antibodies against thyroid peroxidase (TPO) or thyroglobulin (TG).
The symptoms of postpartum thyroiditis may include:
- Fatigue
- Mood swings
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Palpitations
- Weight loss
- Heat intolerance
- Hair loss
- Dry skin
- Constipation
- Depression
Diagnosis of Postpartum Thyroiditis
The diagnosis of postpartum thyroiditis is based on your medical history, physical examination, blood tests and ultrasound. Blood tests can measure the levels of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), as well as the presence of antibodies against thyroid peroxidase (TPO) and thyroglobulin (TG). Ultrasound can show the size and texture of your thyroid gland and detect any nodules or cysts.
Treatment of Postpartum Thyroiditis
The treatment of postpartum thyroiditis is similar to that of subacute thyroiditis. You may need anti-inflammatory drugs, beta-blockers and synthetic thyroid hormone (levothyroxine) depending on your symptoms and hormone levels. You will need regular blood tests to monitor your thyroid function and adjust your medication accordingly.
Silent Thyroiditis
Silent thyroiditis, also known as painless thyroiditis or lymphocytic thyroiditis, is a mild form of autoimmune thyroiditis that causes a brief phase of hyperthyroidism that may or may not be followed by a phase of hypothyroidism. It usually resolves on its own within a few weeks or months.
Silent thyroiditis is more common in women than men, especially between the ages of 20 and 40. It can occur spontaneously or after a stressful event, such as surgery, infection or trauma.
The symptoms of silent thyroiditis may include:
- Fatigue
- Nervousness
- Palpitations
- Weight loss
- Heat intolerance
Diagnosis of Silent Thyroiditis
The diagnosis of silent thyroiditis is based on your medical history, physical examination, blood tests and ultrasound. Blood tests can measure the levels of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), as well as the presence of antibodies against thyroid peroxidase (TPO) and thyroglobulin (TG). Ultrasound can show the size and texture of your thyroid gland and detect any nodules or cysts.
Treatment of Silent Thyroiditis
The treatment of silent thyroiditis is usually not necessary, as most cases resolve spontaneously. You may need beta-blockers, such as propranolol or atenolol, to control your heart rate and blood pressure during the hyperthyroid phase. You may need synthetic thyroid hormone (levothyroxine) during the hypothyroid phase if your symptoms are severe or persistent.
Conclusion
Thyroiditis is a condition that causes inflammation of the thyroid gland, which can affect its ability to produce hormones. There are different types of thyroiditis, each with different causes, symptoms and treatments. Some types are temporary and resolve on their own, while others are chronic and require lifelong medication.
If you have any signs or symptoms of thyroid dysfunction, such as fatigue, weight changes, mood swings, cold or heat intolerance, hair loss or neck pain, you should contact a doctor for evaluation and diagnosis. Early detection and treatment can prevent complications and improve your quality of life.
Sources
- Debbo Africa: https://debbo.africa
- Cleveland Clinic. Thyroiditis. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15455-thyroiditis
- Verywell Health. Thyroiditis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment and More. https://www.verywellhealth.com/thyroiditis-5082138
- Merriam-Webster. Thyroiditis Definition & Meaning. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thyroiditis
- WebMD. What Is Thyroiditis? https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-thyroiditis