Silent thyroiditis
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Silent thyroiditis

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Published: July 28, 2026 | Last Reviewed: July 28, 2026 | Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Sarah Mitchell, MD, Geriatrics | Reading Time: 5 min




Key Takeaways

  • The cause of the disease is unknown.
  • The earliest symptoms result from an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism).
  • Your health care provider will examine you and ask about your symptoms and medical history.
  • Treatment is based on symptoms.
  • Silent thyroiditis often goes away on its own within 1 year.

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Silent thyroiditis is due to an immune reaction against the thyroid gland. The disorder can cause

hyperthyroidism

, followed by

hypothyroidism

.

Understanding silent thyroiditis seniors thyroid inflammation painless is important for seniors and their caregivers. the thyroid gland is located in the neck, just above where your collarbones meet in the middle.

What Are the Common Causes and Risk Factors?

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.

What Are the Symptoms and Warning Signs?

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:

  • Cold intolerance

  • Constipation

  • Difficulty concentrating or thinking
  • Dry skin
  • Fatigue
  • Hair loss
  • Irregular (or heavy) menstrual periods in women
  • Mood changes
  • Weight gain

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.

📖 What Are Exams and Tests?

What Are Exams and Tests?

Your health care provider will examine you and ask about your symptoms and medical history.

A physical exam may show:

  • Enlarged thyroid gland that is not painful to the touch
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Shaking hands (

    tremor

    )

  • Brisk reflexes
  • Sweaty, warm skin

Tests that may be done include:

  • Radioactive iodine uptake

  • Thyroid hormones

    T3

    (triiodothyronine) and free

    T4

    (thyroxine)

  • TSH

    (thyroid stimulating hormone)

  • Erythrocyte sedimentation rate

    (ESR)

  • C-reactive protein

    (CRP)

Many providers now screen for thyroid disease before and after starting medicines that commonly cause this condition.

📖 How Is It Treated?

How Is It Treated?

Treatment is based on symptoms. Medicines called beta-blockers may be used to relieve rapid heart rate and excessive sweating.

📖 What Is Outlook (Prognosis)?

What Is Outlook (Prognosis)?

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 the 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.

📖 When to Contact a Medical Professional?

When to Contact a Medical Professional?

Contact your provider if you have symptoms of this condition.

Lymphocytic thyroiditis; Subacute lymphocytic thyroiditis; Painless thyroiditis; Postpartum thyroiditis; Thyroiditis – silent; Hyperthyroidism – silent thyroiditis

  • Thyroid gland

    Thyroid gland

Akamizu T, Jonklaas J. Hypothyroidism and thyroiditis. In: Melmed S, Auchus RJ, Goldfine AB, Rosen CJ, Kopp PA, eds.

Williams Textbook of Endocrinology

. 15th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 11.

Hollenberg A, Wiersinga W, Bartalena L, Feldt-Rasmussen U. Hyperthyroid disorders. In: Melmed S, Auchus RJ, Goldfine AB, Rosen CJ, Kopp PA, eds.

Williams Textbook of Endocrinology

. 15th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 10.

Pearce EN, Hollenberg AN. Thyroid. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds.

Goldman-Cecil Medicine

. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 207.

Smith JR, Wassner AJ. Thyroiditis. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds.

Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics

. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 604.

Updated 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.


  • Hyperthyroidism

  • Hypothyroidism

  • Thyroid Diseases

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Takeaways

The cause of the disease is unknown. The earliest symptoms result from an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism). Your health care provider will examine you and ask about your symptoms and medical history.

What Are the Common Causes and Risk Factors?

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.

What Are the Symptoms and Warning Signs?

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:

Cold intolerance

Constipation

Difficulty concentrating or thinking

Dry skin

Fatigue

Hair loss

Irregular (or heavy) menstrual periods in women

Mood changes

Weight gain

These symptoms can persist until the thyroid recovers normal function.

What Are Exams and Tests?

Your health care provider will examine you and ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam may show:

Enlarged thyroid gland that is not painful to the touch

Rapid heart rate

Shaking hands (

tremor

)

Brisk reflexes

Sweaty, warm skin

Tests that may be done include:

Radioactive iodine uptake

Thyroid hormones

T3

(triiodothyronine) and free

T4

(thyroxine)

TSH

(thyroid stimulating hormone)

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate

(ESR)

C-reactive protein

(CRP)

Many providers now screen for thyroid disease before and after starting medicines that commonly cause this condition. 📖 How Is It Treated?

How Is It Treated?

Treatment is based on symptoms. Medicines called beta-blockers may be used to relieve rapid heart rate and excessive sweating. 📖 What Is Outlook (Prognosis)?

About the Author: This article was researched and written by the SilverWell Hub editorial team. It was medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Mitchell, MD, Geriatrics.

Sources: This article is adapted from MedlinePlus, a service of the National Library of Medicine.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. See our full Medical Disclaimer.

Published: July 28, 2026 | Next review: January 2027