What Are The Types Of Thyroiditis?

Radiation-Induced Thyroiditis

Radiation-induced thyroiditis is a form of thyroiditis caused by previous treatment with radiation therapy or radioactive iodine. Individuals treated with radioiodine therapy for hypothyroidism can develop radiation-induced thyroiditis as an adverse side effect. Lymphoma patients treated with the use of neck and head radiation therapy are also at risk for developing radiation-induced thyroiditis. Symptoms of radiation-induced thyroiditis typically manifest between one and two weeks following the patient's radiation therapy or reactive iodine treatment.

Much like other forms of thyroiditis, damage to thyroid tissue causes the patient to feel pain and tenderness in the neck. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism may manifest as the thyroid hormones are released into the bloodstream as a result of thyroid tissue damage. Radiation-induced thyroiditis usually resolves with the proper treatment in a patient within six to eighteen weeks.

Postpartum Thyroiditis

Postpartum thyroiditis occurs uncommonly in women who have recently given birth. The thyroid becomes inflamed at some point within a year after pregnancy. Most of the time, the condition can last anywhere from a few weeks to multiple months. However, it can also be very difficult to diagnose. Many women don't realize there is anything wrong because they believe the fatigue and pain are caused by stress. Any depression or mood irregularities caused by the inflammation might be mistakenly diagnosed as postpartum depression. Since postpartum depression is a much more common phenomenon than thyroiditis, many doctors don't even look for it.

The majority of women who develop this condition recover, and the thyroid returns to normal function in around twelve to eighteen months after the symptoms start. However, some women experience permanent complications due to damage to the thyroid gland. Postpartum thyroiditis presents in two phases. The first has similar symptoms to an overactive thyroid, including increased metabolism and weight loss. The second has similar symptoms to an underactive thyroid, including weight gain and depression.