What is thyroiditis?
Thyroiditis is the medical term for a group of conditions that cause inflammation of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland, a small butterfly-shaped organ in the neck, helps regulate how your body uses energy. When it becomes inflamed, it can lead to an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), or long-term thyroid problems.
Thyroiditis is most often treated by endocrinologists, providers who specialize in hormone disorders. If surgery is needed for thyroid nodules or a goiter, a head and neck surgeon may also be involved. At Penn Medicine, our thyroid specialists provide advanced diagnostic and treatment options for all forms of thyroiditis.
Types of thyroiditis
There are several types of thyroiditis:
- Hashimoto’s disease
- Subacute thyroiditis (de Quervain’s thyroiditis)
- Silent thyroiditis (painless thyroiditis)
- Postpartum thyroiditis
- Drug-induced thyroiditis
- Radiation-induced thyroiditis
- Acute thyroiditis (suppurative thyroiditis)
- Riedel’s thyroiditis
- Acute infectious thyroiditis
Symptoms of thyroiditis
Thyroiditis can cause different symptoms depending on how the inflammation affects your thyroid hormone levels. Some people develop symptoms of an underactive thyroid, while others may have symptoms of an overactive thyroid.
When your thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones, it can slow down many body functions. Common symptoms include:
- Tiredness or low energy
- Weight gain
- Feeling cold
- Trouble concentrating or memory problems
- Constipation
- Dry skin
- Mood swings
When your thyroid hormone levels are too high, it can speed up body functions. Symptoms may include:
- Anxiety or nervousness
- Unexplained weight loss
- Hand tremors
- Irritability
- Difficulty sleeping
- Fast or pounding heartbeat
- Fatigue
What causes thyroiditis?
Thyroiditis happens when the thyroid gland becomes inflamed, and its cells are damaged. This inflammation can have different causes depending on the type of thyroiditis.
The most common cause is an autoimmune reaction, when the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid instead of protecting it. This is seen in conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, silent thyroiditis, and postpartum thyroiditis. Other causes include viral infections (subacute thyroiditis), bacterial infections (acute infectious thyroiditis), certain cancer treatments like radioactive iodine or radiation therapy (radiation-induced thyroiditis), and some medications (drug-induced thyroiditis).
Diagnosing thyroid gland inflammation
To diagnose thyroiditis, your provider will order blood tests to check your thyroid function. A common test measures thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) along with thyroid hormones like T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine). Another test checks for thyroid antibodies to confirm if the inflammation is caused by an autoimmune condition. In some cases, a radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU) test is used to see how much iodine the thyroid absorbs, which helps distinguish thyroiditis from other thyroid problems.
Imaging tests may also be used to look at the thyroid directly. These can help your provider check the size and texture of the gland and rule out other conditions like nodules or growths.
Thyroiditis treatment
Treatment for thyroiditis depends on the type and your symptoms. Some cases are temporary, while others can lead to long-term hypothyroidism. If your thyroid is underactive, your provider may prescribe thyroid hormone replacement. When hormone levels are high, medicines like beta-blockers can help control some symptoms. In mild cases, you may not need any treatment right away.
Other treatments focus on the cause. Pain from an inflamed thyroid is often managed with anti-inflammatory medicines, or in more severe cases, steroids. Infections are treated with antibiotics, and sometimes fluid must be drained if an abscess forms. Thyroiditis caused by medication may improve if the drug is stopped or changed. Rare forms of thyroiditis may require surgery.
Expert care for thyroiditis
Getting the right diagnosis is key when it comes to thyroiditis. At Penn Medicine, our endocrinologists work with radiologists, pathologists, and other specialists to understand your condition and guide your care. This team approach helps us find clear answers and provide treatments that match your needs, including access to clinical trials when available.