Thyroiditis is inflammation of the thyroid gland that disrupts normal hormone production and release. It is caused by autoimmune attack, viral infections, or medication triggers that damage thyroid tissue and cause hormonal imbalances. The Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) test is the most important test for diagnosis because it reveals which phase of thyroiditis is present by measuring the body's compensatory response to thyroid dysfunction.
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Thyroiditis is caused by autoimmune disorders, viral infections, medications, or postpartum hormonal changes that trigger inflammation in the thyroid gland. Hashimoto thyroiditis is the most common autoimmune cause, where your immune system mistakenly attacks thyroid tissue, while subacute thyroiditis typically follows viral infections like the flu or mumps. Other triggers include certain medications like lithium or amiodarone, radiation therapy to the neck, or the dramatic hormonal shifts that occur after childbirth in postpartum thyroiditis.
The Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) test is the most important test for thyroiditis because it reveals which phase of the condition you are in and guides treatment decisions. During the early hyperthyroid phase when stored hormones leak from the inflamed gland, TSH drops to low levels, while in the later hypothyroid phase when the damaged gland cannot produce enough hormones, TSH becomes elevated. The Thyroid Profile with TSH provides the most comprehensive picture by measuring TSH alongside Free T4 and Free T3 levels, allowing your doctor to see the full hormonal pattern. For detecting active inflammation, the Thyroglobulin test is particularly valuable as this protein spikes when thyroid tissue is being damaged.
You should get tested if you experience unexplained weight changes, persistent fatigue, neck pain or swelling, heart palpitations, or alternating periods of feeling jittery and sluggish. Testing is especially important if you recently had a baby and notice mood changes or extreme tiredness, or if you have been sick with a viral infection and developed neck tenderness afterward. Early detection through blood work helps prevent complications and allows your doctor to monitor the condition as it progresses through different phases, ensuring you receive appropriate treatment at each stage.
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What this means
Your TSH is slightly elevated, which may indicate your thyroid is working harder than ideal to produce enough thyroid hormone. This can contribute to symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, feeling cold, or difficulty concentrating, and may benefit from closer monitoring.
Recommended actions
Ensure adequate iodine intake through seafood, dairy, or iodized salt
Consider selenium-rich foods like Brazil nuts, eggs, and sunflower seeds
Manage stress through meditation, yoga, or regular exercise
Retest in 8-12 weeks to monitor trends and track improvements
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