Learn About 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.
Lymphocytic thyroiditis; Subacute lymphocytic thyroiditis; Painless thyroiditis; Postpartum thyroiditis; Thyroiditis - silent; Hyperthyroidism - silent thyroiditis
The cause of the disease is unknown. But it is related to an attack against the thyroid by the immune system. The disease affects women more often than men.
The disease can occur in women who have just had a baby. It can also be caused by medicines such as interferon and amiodarone, and some types of chemotherapy, which affect the immune system.
The earliest symptoms result from an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism). These symptoms may last for up to 3 months.
Symptoms are often mild, and may include:
- Fatigue, feeling weak
- Frequent bowel movements
- Heat intolerance
- Increased appetite
- Increased sweating
- Irregular menstrual periods
- Mood changes, such as irritability
- Muscle cramps
- Nervousness, restlessness
- Palpitations
- Weight loss
Later symptoms may be of an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), including:
- Fatigue
- Constipation
- Dry skin
- Irregular (or heavy) menstrual periods in women
- Mood changes
- Weight gain
- Cold intolerance
These symptoms can persist until the thyroid recovers normal function. The recovery of the thyroid can take many months in some people. Some people only notice the hypothyroid symptoms and do not have symptoms of hyperthyroidism to begin with.
Treatment is based on symptoms. Medicines called beta-blockers may be used to relieve rapid heart rate and excessive sweating.
Century Medical & Dental Center
Anzhela Dvorkina is a Board Certified Internal Medicine physician with over 30 years of experience. Doctor Anzhela Dvorkina graduated from State University of New York Downstate Medical Center in the year 1983 and was awarded the doctor of medicine degree. Since then she has received numerous awards from local authorities in the state of New York. Dr. Dvorkina is currently working at Century Medical & Dental Center. Her main goal is to help her patients go through any health problems with dedicated support and professionalism. Dr. Dvorkina is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Silent Thyroiditis. Her top areas of expertise are Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS), Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, High Cholesterol, and Obesity.
Afshar Medical Group
Dr. Farhad Nassiri Afshar is a board-certified internist based in Irvine, California and founder of Afshar Medical Group. With more than 20 years of experience caring for adults in hospitals and outpatient clinics, he provides comprehensive primary care with a focus on heart disease prevention, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity, thyroid disorders, and chronic kidney disease.Dr. Nassiri Afshar earned his medical degree from Tehran University of Medical Sciences and completed his Internal Medicine residency at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. His background includes work as a general practitioner and hospitalist, managing complex patients with coronary artery disease, heart failure, stroke, venous thromboembolism, and sleep apnea.At Afshar Medical Group in Irvine, he combines evidence-based medicine with lifestyle counseling and modern digital tools, including telehealth and advanced analytics, to deliver convenient, high-quality care. He emphasizes clear communication, preventive strategies, and long-term partnerships with his patients to help them live healthier, longer, and more active lives. . His top areas of expertise are High Cholesterol, Hypertension, Asthma, and Type 2 Diabetes (T2D).
Family Care Network, PLLC
Sumner Mcallister is a primary care provider, practicing in Family Medicine and Internal Medicine in Bellingham, Washington. Dr. Mcallister is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Silent Thyroiditis. His top areas of expertise are Saddle Pulmonary Embolism, Silent Thyroiditis, High Cholesterol, and Pulmonary Embolism. Dr. Mcallister is currently accepting new patients.
Silent thyroiditis often goes away on its own within 1 year. The acute phase usually ends within 3 months.
Some people develop hypothyroidism over time. They need to be treated with a medicine that replaces thyroid hormone. Regular follow-ups with a provider are recommended.
The disease is not infectious. People cannot catch the disease from you. It also is not inherited within families like some other thyroid conditions.
Contact your provider if you have symptoms of this condition.
Published Date: February 28, 2024
Published By: Sandeep K. Dhaliwal, MD, board-certified in Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Springfield, VA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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Hollenberg A, Wiersinga WM. Hyperthyroid disorders. In: Melmed S, Auchus RJ, Goldfine AB, Koenig RJ, Rosen CJ, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 12.
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Ramos-Levi AM, Marazuela M. Thyroiditis. In: Robertson RP, ed. DeGroot's Endocrinology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 73.
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