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Silent thyroiditis
Lymphocytic thyroiditis; Subacute lymphocytic thyroiditis; Painless thyroiditis; Postpartum thyroiditis; Thyroiditis - silent; Hyperthyroidism - silent thyroiditis
Silent thyroiditis is an immune reaction of the thyroid gland. The disorder can cause hyperthyroidism, followed by hypothyroidism.
The thyroid gland is located in the neck, just above where your collarbones meet in the middle.
Causes
The cause of the disease is unknown. But it is related to an immune attack against the thyroid by the immune system . The disease affects women more often than men.
Immune system
The immune response is how your body recognizes and defends itself against bacteria, viruses, and substances that appear foreign and harmful....
The disease can occur in women who have just had a baby. It can also be caused by medicines such as interferon and amiodarone, which affect the immune system.
Symptoms
The earliest symptoms result from an overactive thyroid gland ( hyperthyroidism ). These symptoms may last for up to 3 months.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone. The condition is often called overactive thyroid.
Symptoms are often mild, and may include:
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Fatigue
, feeling weak
Fatigue
Fatigue is a feeling of weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy.
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Frequent bowel movements
Frequent bowel movements
Diarrhea is when you pass loose or watery stool.
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Heat intolerance
Heat intolerance
Heat intolerance is a feeling of being overheated when the temperature around you rises. It can often cause heavy sweating. Heat intolerance usually...
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Increased appetite
Increased appetite
Increased appetite means you have an excess desire for food.
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Increased
sweating
Sweating
Sweating is the release of liquid from the body's sweat glands. This liquid contains salt. This process is also called perspiration. Sweating helps...
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- Mood changes, such as irritability
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Muscle cramps
Muscle cramps
Muscle cramps are when a muscle gets tight (contracts) without you trying to tighten it, and it does not relax. Cramps may involve all or part of on...
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Nervousness,
restlessness
Restlessness
Agitation is an unpleasant state of extreme arousal. An agitated person may feel stirred up, excited, tense, confused, or irritable.
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Palpitations
Palpitations
Palpitations are feelings or sensations that your heart is pounding or racing. They can be felt in your chest, throat, or neck. You may:Have an unpl...
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Later symptoms may be of an underactive thyroid ( hypothyroidism ), including fatigue and cold intolerance, until the thyroid recovers. Some people only notice the hypothyroid symptoms and do not have symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone. This condition is often called underactive thyroid....
Exams and Tests
The health care provider will examine you and ask about your symptoms and medical history.
A physical examination may show:
Physical examination
During a physical examination, a health care provider studies your body to determine if you do or do not have a physical problem. A physical examinat...
- Enlarged thyroid gland that is not painful to the touch
- Rapid heart rate
- Shaking hands (tremor)
Tests that may be done include:
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Radioactive iodine uptake
Radioactive iodine uptake
Radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU) tests thyroid function. It measures how much radioactive iodine is taken up by your thyroid gland in a certain time...
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Thyroid hormones
T3
and
T4
T3
Triiodothyronine (T3) is a thyroid hormone. It plays an important role in the body's control of metabolism (the many processes the body does to func...
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T4 (thyroxine) is the main hormone produced by the thyroid gland. A laboratory test can be done to measure the amount of free T4 in your blood....
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TSH
TSH
A TSH test measures the amount of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in your blood. TSH is produced by the pituitary gland. It tells the thyroid gla...
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Treatment
Treatment is based on symptoms. Medicines called beta-blockers may be used to relieve rapid heart rate and excessive sweating.
Outlook (Prognosis)
Silent thyroiditis often goes away on its own within 1 year. The acute phase ends within 3 months.
Acute
Acute means sudden or severe. Acute symptoms appear, change, or worsen rapidly. It is the opposite of chronic.
Some people develop hypothyroidism over time. They need to be treated for a while with levothyroxine, a medicine that replaces thyroid hormone. Regular follow-ups with a provider are recommended.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your provider if you have symptoms of this condition.
References
Davies TF, Laurberg P, Bahn RS. Hyperthyroid disorders. In: Melmed S, Polonsky KS, Larsen PR, Kronenberg HM, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology . 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 12.
Pellitteri PK, Ing S, Jameson B. Disorders of the thyroid gland. In: Flint PW, Haughey BH, Lund V, et al, eds. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 122.
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Thyroid gland - illustration
The thyroid gland, a part of the endocrine (hormone) system, plays a major role in regulating the body's metabolism.
Thyroid gland
illustration
Review Date: 2/3/2016
Reviewed By: Brent Wisse, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology & Nutrition, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
