Thyroiditis Symptoms, Causes and More

By shirley

Reviewed: dr. stavarache

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. NHS Choices, NHS, www.nhs.uk/conditions/thyroiditis/.
• 2. 'Thyroiditis.' American Thyroid Association, www.thyroid.org/thyroiditis/.
• 3. 'Thyroiditis: Types, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment.' Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15455-thyroiditis.
• 4. 'Thyroid Disease.' Womenshealth.gov, 1 Apr. 2019, www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/thyroid-disease.
• 5. 'Hashimoto's Disease.' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 11 Feb. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hashimotos-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20351855.
• 6. Staff, Familydoctor.org Editorial. 'Thyroiditis - Symptoms and Treatment.' Familydoctor.org, 15 Oct. 2019, familydoctor.org/condition/thyroiditis/.

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The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck below the Adam's apple. As part of the body's endocrine system, it produces hormones that regulate the body's metabolic rate, controlling heart, muscle and digestive function, brain development and bone maintenance.¹NHS Choices, NHS, www.nhs.uk/conditions/thyroiditis/. Most people are unaware of their thyroid gland unless it swells or becomes painful.

Thyroiditis is another name for the swelling or inflammation of the thyroid gland. This condition can lead to over-(hyperthyroidism) or under-production(hypothyroidism) of thyroid hormones, causing a range of symptoms.²‘Thyroiditis.’ American Thyroid Association, www.thyroid.org/thyroiditis/.

1. Thyroiditis Symptoms

Thyroiditis may cause the thyroid gland to become enlarged and/or painful. Hyperthyroidism occurs if too much of the thyroid hormone is present in the body. The person may feel irritable, anxious, worried and nervous, and they may have trouble sleeping. They may lose weight, have increased appetite and experience profuse sweating. Their heart rate may be fast, and they may experience fatigue.

When too little thyroid hormone is present, hypothyroidism occurs. Symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, constipation and dry skin. A person with hypothyroidism may find physical exercise challenging, and they may have trouble focusing and concentrating.³‘Thyroiditis: Types, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment.’ Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15455-thyroiditis.