Hashimoto's thyroiditis symptoms

Written by Tang Zhuo
Endocrinology
Updated on May 02, 2025
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Hashimoto's thyroiditis, also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, is the primary cause of hypothyroidism. The development of Hashimoto's thyroiditis is closely linked to genetic factors and autoimmune abnormalities caused by disorders in iodine metabolism. The clinical manifestations of Hashimoto's thyroiditis vary, with the typical presentation being a diffuse, firm, painless, mild to moderate enlargement of the thyroid gland. Symptoms of compression in the neck and systemic symptoms are usually not prominent. Thyroid function may be normal or reduced, but thyroid autoantibodies such as thyroglobulin antibodies, thyroid peroxidase antibodies, and thyroid-stimulating hormone antibodies are often present in the bloodstream. Patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis often have a family history of autoimmune diseases.

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Symptoms of thyroiditis

The symptoms of thyroiditis are related to the cause of the thyroid disease, and different causes lead to different symptoms of thyroiditis. Common subacute thyroiditis may cause pain in the neck and thyroid area, accompanied by fever and pain, and may present as migratory. The thyroid may appear locally enlarged and feel hard to the touch. If it is autoimmune thyroiditis, such as the most common Hashimoto's thyroiditis, there may be no symptoms in the early stages. As the disease progresses, transient symptoms of hyperthyroidism may occur, but these symptoms of hyperthyroidism can be cured and do not require special treatment. Then, as the disease progresses and more thyroid destruction occurs, symptoms of hypothyroidism may eventually develop.

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Written by Li Hui Zhi
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How is thyroiditis diagnosed?

Thyroiditis, clinically more commonly seen as subacute thyroiditis, is primarily caused by viral infections. The main clinical symptoms include pain in the anterior neck accompanied by fever, typically in the afternoon or evening. Upon examination, the thyroid is enlarged and tender. In terms of auxiliary examinations, blood tests reveal that some patients may have elevated white blood cells if there is a concurrent infection, and an increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Furthermore, initially, there might be mild signs of hyperthyroidism. Thyroid ultrasound may suggest signs of subacute thyroiditis, and the iodine uptake rate is decreased. If further examination is desired, a fine needle aspiration of the thyroid can be performed to help comprehensively consider and confirm the diagnosis.

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Written by Tang Zhuo
Endocrinology
1min home-news-image

Hashimoto's thyroiditis symptoms

Hashimoto's thyroiditis, also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, is the primary cause of hypothyroidism. The development of Hashimoto's thyroiditis is closely linked to genetic factors and autoimmune abnormalities caused by disorders in iodine metabolism. The clinical manifestations of Hashimoto's thyroiditis vary, with the typical presentation being a diffuse, firm, painless, mild to moderate enlargement of the thyroid gland. Symptoms of compression in the neck and systemic symptoms are usually not prominent. Thyroid function may be normal or reduced, but thyroid autoantibodies such as thyroglobulin antibodies, thyroid peroxidase antibodies, and thyroid-stimulating hormone antibodies are often present in the bloodstream. Patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis often have a family history of autoimmune diseases.

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Written by Luo Han Ying
Endocrinology
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Is thyroiditis serious?

Thyroiditis, in simpler terms, refers to inflammation of the thyroid gland, making it easier for non-medical individuals to understand. Clinically, subacute thyroiditis and autoimmune thyroiditis are more common types of thyroid inflammation. These two have different causes and thus present different symptoms. Subacute thyroiditis might display severe symptoms as patients often experience significant thyroid pain and even general discomfort and muscle pain, which are relatively intense. However, if medications are administered during the acute phase, it might not necessarily have long-term effects on these patients. On the other hand, patients with autoimmune thyroiditis may not show obvious clinical symptoms, but they are prone to develop permanent hypothyroidism later, requiring lifelong thyroid hormone supplementation. (Specific medication use should be carried out under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Where is the best place to perform moxibustion for thyroiditis?

Thyroiditis is relatively common in clinical practice, but we have not yet found that moxibustion directly helps with thyroiditis, so we do not recommend using moxibustion for treatment. Especially for types of thyroiditis that may cause an increase in thyroid hormone release, such as the acute phase of subacute thyroiditis. If moxibustion is applied directly near the thyroid region, it could potentially cause an increase in thyroid hormone release, exacerbating existing symptoms and hindering recovery. When we suffer from thyroiditis, we should choose appropriate treatment plans according to different types. For autoimmune thyroiditis, we can use treatments that regulate immunity, provide symptomatic relief, and supplement or replace hormone levels. Some painless thyroiditis may only require regular follow-ups. For cases of thyroiditis that also involve thyroid enlargement, treatment options like iodine-131 or surgery can be considered depending on the functional status.