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Suggest Remedy For Stiffness And Pain In Thyroid Gland
Question: Hi,
I am 31 years old, with no prior medical history. I had some tenderness in my thyroid gland for 4-5 days and when yawning there was some stiffness and pain. I had accompanied my husband to his doctor and mentioned the throat pain. She prescribed a TSH test on 23rd Oct and my TSH came very low ( 0.008) . ESR was 43. Followup with an endocrine specialist on 28th showed that FT4 was elevated ( 2.8) and TSH was low ( 0.005). Antibody tests for autoimmune conditions ( Graves etc. ) were negative. The endocrine doctor did not see any apparent symptoms during my visit ( eyes , throat etc. did not show anything) . The pain that I was experiencing when yawning is not there anymore. I have an ultrasound and an iodine uptake test due day after tomorrow. I also had got a mild cold and sinus during this period. I am prone to chronic sinus since my childhood which causes some heaviness in my head for 2-3 days and resolves uneventfully. I want to understand what could be the likely causes of this and what treatment options may be there.
I am 31 years old, with no prior medical history. I had some tenderness in my thyroid gland for 4-5 days and when yawning there was some stiffness and pain. I had accompanied my husband to his doctor and mentioned the throat pain. She prescribed a TSH test on 23rd Oct and my TSH came very low ( 0.008) . ESR was 43. Followup with an endocrine specialist on 28th showed that FT4 was elevated ( 2.8) and TSH was low ( 0.005). Antibody tests for autoimmune conditions ( Graves etc. ) were negative. The endocrine doctor did not see any apparent symptoms during my visit ( eyes , throat etc. did not show anything) . The pain that I was experiencing when yawning is not there anymore. I have an ultrasound and an iodine uptake test due day after tomorrow. I also had got a mild cold and sinus during this period. I am prone to chronic sinus since my childhood which causes some heaviness in my head for 2-3 days and resolves uneventfully. I want to understand what could be the likely causes of this and what treatment options may be there.
Brief Answer:
Thyroiditis
Detailed Answer:
I have reviewed the attached laboratory results.
Based upon what you have shared with me, it appears you have 'thyroiditis'. It is typically a short lived condition that spontaneously recovers within couple months or so, without requiring any specific treatment.
However, confirmation regarding this will be provided only by the results of the uptake and scan test that you are scheduled for. If the uptake % is low, it indicates this diagnosis. If it is normal/high, then other diagnostic possibilities are considered such as Graves disease (even though antibodies are negative).
Thyroiditis is an uncommon condition and requires the expertise of an endocrinologist to diagnose and manage. It has a unique course in each individual during which it may go through various phases over the course of several weeks. At each stage there is a way to approach it. It is important to follow the individual over the ensuing 2 to 6 months with periodic blood tests to see whether the condition settles. Many recover fully while others get a temporary under active thyroid , and some end up with a permanently under active thyroid
Thyroiditis
Detailed Answer:
I have reviewed the attached laboratory results.
Based upon what you have shared with me, it appears you have 'thyroiditis'. It is typically a short lived condition that spontaneously recovers within couple months or so, without requiring any specific treatment.
However, confirmation regarding this will be provided only by the results of the uptake and scan test that you are scheduled for. If the uptake % is low, it indicates this diagnosis. If it is normal/high, then other diagnostic possibilities are considered such as Graves disease (even though antibodies are negative).
Thyroiditis is an uncommon condition and requires the expertise of an endocrinologist to diagnose and manage. It has a unique course in each individual during which it may go through various phases over the course of several weeks. At each stage there is a way to approach it. It is important to follow the individual over the ensuing 2 to 6 months with periodic blood tests to see whether the condition settles. Many recover fully while others get a temporary under active thyroid , and some end up with a permanently under active thyroid
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks Dr. Shehzad. I will report back after the scan and ultrasound.
Brief Answer:
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
You are most welcome. Best wishes for good health.
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
You are most welcome. Best wishes for good health.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Brief Answer:
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
As I had suspected, the test results are classically indicative of 'Thyroidits'.
When you see your endocrinologist in person, you will likely receive only symptomatic treatment for a short period of time, and be asked to recheck your TSH and Free T4 in 4 to 8 weeks.
Please bear in mind that reading and interpreting this report requires very specialized training which endocrinologists undergo formally. So please do not get confused after reading the report and hearing an apparently different conclusion from your endocrinologist. (S)he is the last word in this matter.
This is not a worrisome condition but will require several follow up visits in the coming months to see where the thyroid settles down. In many instances, it completely normalizes
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
As I had suspected, the test results are classically indicative of 'Thyroidits'.
When you see your endocrinologist in person, you will likely receive only symptomatic treatment for a short period of time, and be asked to recheck your TSH and Free T4 in 4 to 8 weeks.
Please bear in mind that reading and interpreting this report requires very specialized training which endocrinologists undergo formally. So please do not get confused after reading the report and hearing an apparently different conclusion from your endocrinologist. (S)he is the last word in this matter.
This is not a worrisome condition but will require several follow up visits in the coming months to see where the thyroid settles down. In many instances, it completely normalizes
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks a lot doctor shehzad. My next appointment is on 12th Nov and this brings me some peace until I see my endocrinologist.
Brief Answer:
Second follow up
Detailed Answer:
You are most welcome. Best wishes for good health always.
Second follow up
Detailed Answer:
You are most welcome. Best wishes for good health always.
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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