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Thyroiditis

What is thyroiditis?

Thyroiditis is an inflammation of the thyroid gland which is located in front of the neck:


Thyroid Gland - Thyroiditis

What is the cause of thyroiditis?

The inflamed thyroid gland can release an excess of thyroid hormones into the blood stream, resulting in a temporary hyperthyroid state. Once the thyroid gland is depleted of thyroid hormones, the patient commonly goes through a hypothyroid (low thyroid) phase. This phase can last 3-6 months until the thyroid gland fully recovers.

How is thyroiditis diagnosed?

Thyroiditis can be diagnosed based on tenderness and enlargement of the thyroid gland. In some forms of thyroiditis, such as autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto's thyroiditis), there may be no tenderness or swelling of the thyroid gland. A thyroid scan (a picture taken of the thyroid gland after radioactive iodine is taken by mouth) sometimes is used in making the diagnosis. Thyroiditis can also be diagnosed with a biopsy of the thyroid gland.


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Thyroiditis

Hypothyroidism During Pregnancy »

Introduction

Thyroid disease is particularly common in women of child-bearing age. As a result, it is no surprise that thyroid disease may complicate the course of pregnancy. It is estimated that 2.5% of all pregnant women have some degree of hypothyroidism. The frequency varies among different populations and different countries. While pregnancy itself is a natural state, and by no means should be considered a "disease," thyroid disorders during pregnancy may affect both mother and baby. This article focuses specifically on hypothyroidism and pregnancy. After a general description of normal and abnormal thyroid function, recent data on long term consequences in children of mothers who had hypothyroidism during pregnancy will be reviewed.

What is the thyroid gland?

The thyroid is a gland weighing about 15 grams (about half an ounce) that is located in the front of the neck just below the Adam's apple (cricoid carti...

Read the Hypothyroidism During Pregnancy article »




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