Thyroiditis

During this phase, the thyroid gland becomes inflamed and releases too much hormone. This is also called hyperthyroidism.

During this phase, the thyroid releases too much hormone for weeks or months. Then, it runs out of hormone. This is also called hypothyroidism.

During this phase, the thyroid hormone levels are normal. This phase can occur between the thyrotoxic phase and the hypothyroid phase. It can also occur after the hypothyroid phase. 

This test measures the amount of thyroid hormone in your bloodstream. 

This test looks for antibodies (a type of protein) in your bloodstream. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is linked to a specific antibody.

You may not need treatment if your thyroiditis is mild and not causing problems. We will recommend you get regular physical exams and other tests.

If your thyroid is making too much hormone, we may prescribe beta blockers. These medicines help with symptoms like trembling, anxiety and feeling too warm. Usually you will only need to take beta blockers for a short time. Hyperthyroidism is usually temporary with thyroiditis.

This may be prescribed if your thyroid is making too little hormone. Sometimes, you will take this medication for a few months. Other times, like with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, you may take it for life.

If you have Hashimoto’s disease, you may need to make sure you do not eat too much iodine. You can find iodine in seaweed, cough syrups and supplements.

If you have a thyroid infection, you may need antibiotics to treat the infection. If your infection has an abscess, we may drain it with a fine-needle aspiration (needle biopsy).

If your thyroiditis is painful, you may need to take anti-inflammatory medication. This includes aspirin or ibuprofen. Severe pain may need steroid therapy.

If your thyroiditis impacts your ability to eat or breathe, we may recommend surgery. This is rare. If we remove your entire thyroid, you will need to take hormone replacement therapy for life.

Our clinical dietitians work with healthcare teams. They give individual practical nutrition advice and education to patients and residents. They will also involve your family in your nutritional health.

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We offer interpretation services 24-hours-a-day. Please ask your care team to place a request if you need an interpreter. You can also ask for a sign language interpreter.

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Pharmacists at Providence:

• Assist those staying in our two hospitals (inpatients) and those visiting our many clinics (outpatients).
• Work with your healthcare team.
• Use their knowledge to recommend the best drug for your condition.
• Keep watch for possible negative reactions to medications.
• Aim to find the right balance between safety and effectiveness.

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Our psychology services can provide emotional support. These services may help our patients cope with their condition and its treatment.

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Our social work team helps patients and their families. They provide emotional support and can suggest connections to helpful resources and services. This team can also assist in planning for the future and advocate for patients' needs. They help with practical concerns like finances and social support.

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We offer pastoral care services to support you and your loved ones. Our professional staff, including chaplains from different faiths, are here to accompany you. We provide counseling, and create spaces for reflection, prayer and meditation.

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We strive to offer you the best and most compassionate care possible. If we succeed, please let us know. If we fall short of our goal of “How you want to be treated”, please also let us know.

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