🔥 Thyroiditis Explained

This page explains the different types of thyroiditis, including viral, postpartum, and autoimmune forms, and how thyroid levels can change from high to low before returning to normal.

When the Thyroid Becomes Inflamed 

Thyroiditis means:

➡ Inflammation of the thyroid gland

It is a common cause of temporary thyroid problems.

Unlike many other thyroid conditions, thyroiditis is often short-term and reversible.

🔎 What Is Thyroiditis? 

Thyroiditis happens when the thyroid becomes irritated or inflamed.

This inflammation can cause:

• Thyroid hormones to leak into the bloodstream
  
  

• Temporary hyperthyroidism
  
  

• Followed by temporary hypothyroidism
  
  

• Then a return to normal in many cases
  
  

Think of it as the thyroid going through a rough patch rather than permanent failure.

📌 Different Types of Thyroiditis 

There are several kinds of thyroiditis.

The most common are: 

) Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

• A long-term autoimmune condition
  
  

• Usually leads to permanent hypothyroidism
  
  

• Covered in detail on the Hashimoto’s page

2) Subacute (Viral) Thyroiditis

• Often happens after a viral illness
  
  

• Can cause neck pain and fever
  
  

• Usually temporary

3) Postpartum Thyroiditis

• Happens after pregnancy
  
  

• Affects some women within 1 year of giving birth
  
  

• Often temporary

) Silent (Painless) Thyroiditis

• Autoimmune inflammation without pain
  
  

• Thyroid levels change temporarily
  
  

• Often returns to normal

5) Drug-Induced Thyroiditis

• Caused by certain medications
  
  

• Improves when the medicine is adjusted

🧠 What Happens During Thyroiditis 

Thyroiditis often follows a predictable pattern: 

Phase 1 – Hyperthyroid Phase

Inflammation causes stored hormone to leak out.

This can lead to temporary symptoms like:

• Fast heartbeat
  
  

• Anxiety
  
  

• Sweating
  
  

• Feeling hot
  
  

• Tremors
  
  

• Trouble sleeping

Phase 2 – Hypothyroid Phase

After the stored hormone is used up, the thyroid may become temporarily underactive.

Symptoms may include:

• Fatigue
  
  

• Weight gain
  
  

• Feeling cold
  
  

• Low energy
  
  

• Brain fog

Phase 3 – Recovery Phase

In many people:

➡ The thyroid eventually returns to normal function.

😕 What Symptoms Feel Like 

Symptoms depend on the phase.

You might experience:

• Neck tenderness or pain (especially with viral thyroiditis)
  
  

• Flu-like symptoms
  
  

• Mood changes
  
  

• Energy changes
  
  

• Shifts between feeling “too fast” and “too slow”
  
  

Not everyone goes through all phases.

🧪 How Thyroiditis Is Diagnosed 

Doctors usually use:

Blood Tests

• TSH
  
  

• Free T4
  
  

• Free T3
  
  

• Thyroid antibodies

Physical Exam

Looking for:

• Neck tenderness
  
  

• Thyroid swelling

Sometimes Imaging

• Thyroid ultrasound
  
  

• Rarely a radioactive iodine scan

🧩 What Makes Thyroiditis Different 

Unlike other thyroid diseases:

• The problem is usually temporary
  
  

• The thyroid is not permanently damaged
  
  

• Treatment is often focused on symptoms
  
  

• Many people recover fully

💊 Treatment for Thyroiditis 

Treatment depends on the phase and symptoms. 

During Hyperthyroid Phase

Doctors may use:

• Beta blockers to control symptoms
  
  

• Pain relievers if the thyroid is sore
  
  

• Usually no anti-thyroid drugs (because the thyroid isn’t truly overactive)

During Hypothyroid Phase

Some people need:

• Temporary thyroid hormone medication
  
  

But many people improve without long-term treatment.

🕒 How Long Does It Last? 

Most cases last:

➡ A few weeks to a few months

Postpartum thyroiditis may last longer but often resolves within a year.

Some people do go on to develop permanent hypothyroidism, especially after postpartum thyroiditis or autoimmune thyroiditis.

👶 Postpartum Thyroiditis – Special Note 

After pregnancy, some women experience:

• Anxiety
  
  

• Fatigue
  
  

• Mood changes
  
  

• Weight changes
  
  

These are often blamed on “new mom stress,” but sometimes they are actually thyroiditis.

Testing thyroid levels after pregnancy can be very important.

🧭 What Usually Happens Next 

If thyroiditis is suspected, the usual plan is:

1. Monitor thyroid blood tests over time
   
   

2. Treat symptoms if needed
   
   

3. Recheck labs every few weeks or months
   
   

4. See if the thyroid returns to normal
   
   

Most people recover completely.

🔑 Big Takeaways 

Thyroiditis = inflammation of the thyroid

It is often temporary

Levels can swing from high to low

Many cases resolve on their own

Treatment focuses on comfort and monitoring

Coming Up Next 

The next page will explain:

➡ Thyroid Ultrasound Explained

(what the test shows and why doctors order it)