Signs and Symptoms of Thyroiditis

Signs and Symptoms of Thyroiditis

If you’re asking “What is thyroiditis?” the simplest answer to that, taking into consideration the meaning of the suffix “-itis,” is a swollen thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is one of the numerous glands belonging to the endocrine system which regulates normal body activities. The specific function of the thyroid gland, through its release of three hormones namely thyroxine (tetraiodothyronine or T₄), triiodothyronine (T₃) and calcitonin, is to regulate the metabolic rate of all body cells and to control calcium levels in the blood. When one has thyroiditis or a swollen thyroid gland, the immune system sends antibodies to fend off the cause of the inflammation. Strangely enough, the most common type of thyroiditis is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, which is an autoimmune disorder that causes the body to treat its own organ, in this case the thyroid gland, as a foreign agent.

You would be right to think that an inflamed or swollen thyroid gland won’t be able to function as optimally as when it’s A-OK. Thyroiditis typically results in hypothyroidism although signs and symptoms of course vary depending on the type.

In some types of thyroiditis, such as painless (or silent) thyroiditis, post-partum thyroiditis, and subacute (or de Quervain’s) thyroiditis, sufferers experience around 1-3 months of thyrotoxicosis which is followed after 3 months by hypothyroidism lasting up to 9-12 months. Thyrotoxicosis is similar to hyperthyroidism except that in this condition the gland is not overactive. This occurs because the thyroiditis is caused by rapid thyroid cell damage and destruction, resulting in a leakage of the hormone from the glands. Hypothyroidism then follows because of the depletion of thyroid hormone.

Hypothyroidism Symptoms

As thyroid hormone’s function is to regulate body cells’ metabolic rate, a decrease in hormone levels would mean a decline in the metabolism and activities of the body in general, resulting in the following symptoms:

• Puffiness of face
• Hoarseness of voice
• Skin dryness and pallor
• Increased sensitivity to cold
• Increased cholesterol level in the blood
• Decrease in heart rate
• Unexplained weight gain
• Fatigue, sluggishness and low exercise tolerance
• Cramping, pain, tenderness or stiffness of muscles, Especially those in the shoulders and hips
• Weakness of muscles, especially of the lower body
• Pain and stiffness in the joints and inflammation in the knees
• Constipation
• Prolonged or excessive menstrual bleeding
• Insomnia and depression
• Forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating

Thyrotoxicosis Symptoms:

As thyrotoxicosis is similar to hyperthyroidism, and hyperthyroidism is the reverse of hypothyroidism, its signs and symptoms are also generally the reverse of hypothyroidism’s. The more noticeable or alarming ones are the following:

• Palpitations (increase in heart rate)
• Unexplained or excessive weight loss
• Irritability
• Fatigue and
• Insomnia (because of increased overall metabolism)

As you may have observed, there are no signs and symptoms unique to thyroiditis. Sure, you know to answer “a swollen thyroid gland ” when asked “what is thyroiditis?” but a swollen thyroid gland does not appear as goiter immediately so it may be hard to detect. Pain is not experienced in all types, as in the case of painless and post-partum thyroiditis. Any of the above symptoms can be associated with another disease, i.e. fatigue and sluggishness can be associated with aging, and they can barely be observable upon onset of the disorder. Hence, it is necessary to go see a doctor once symptoms are observed, particularly when skin pallor and dryness, puffiness of the face, hoarseness of the voice, constipation and unexplained tiredness are experienced. Also seek a doctor for periodic testing if you have had radiation therapy to the head, upper body or throat area, or had anti-thyroid treatment or have been taking radioactive iodine medications.

Also Read:

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Types of Thyroiditis
What is Thyroiditis

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