Lymphocytic thyroiditis; Subacute lymphocytic thyroiditis; Painless thyroiditis; Thyroiditis - silent

The earliest symptoms result from an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism). These symptoms may last for 3 months or fewer. Later symptoms may be of an underactive thyroid (including fatigue and cold intolerance) until the thyroid recovers.

Symptoms are usually mild and may include:

• Fatigue
• Frequent bowel movements
• Heat intolerance
• Increased appetite
• Increased sweating
• Irregular menstrual periods
• Irritability
• Muscle cramps
• Nervousness, restlessness
• Palpitations
• Weakness
• Weight loss

A physical examination may show:

• Enlarged thyroid gland
• Rapid heart rate
• Shaking hands

Tests may show:

• Decreased radioactive iodine uptake
• Increased blood levels of the thyroid hormones T3 and T4
• White blood cells (lymphocytes) on a thyroid biopsy

Images

Thyroid gland

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Silent thyroiditis Overview

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Silent thyroiditis Treatment

Review Date: 04/19/2010
Reviewed By: Ari S. Eckman, MD, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)