What is subclinical thyroiditis?

[sandieamber]

I have had x2 Thyroid tests done over the past 6mths. My TSH in June was 0.02 and recently 0.05. My T4 has always been within range.  I have symptoms of increased anxiety, insomnia, lack of concentration, heavy painful periods (Had a mirena coil fitted in June which has now stopped this problem with periods), a feeling as though my body is trembling on the inside. My Gp has mentioned subclinical thyroiditis. What is this and what causes it? My mother has hyperthyoidism. I am presently awaiting results back from a thyroid antibody test. What is my GP looking for?

[AR-10]

Thyroid antibodies;

TPOab- Thyroid peroxidase antibodies, also called other names, but has the same abreviation.

TGab- antithyroglobulin antibodies

TRab- Thyroid Receptor antibodies (not very common)

TSI- Thyroid Stimulating immunoglobulin- this test is the one that is a positive indicator for Grave's Disease.

There is also TB1 and TB2, I think, which are antibodies for thyroid eye disease. They aren't tested for very often.

[painter64]

Does the Anti-tpo test cover all these test you just mentioned?

[AR-10]

Your GP should be running three different antibody tests.

If you have TSI antibodies, that is a positive test for Grave's disease, autoimmune hyperthyroidism.

If you have other thyroid antibodies but not TSI, then Hashimoto's is probably the cause. Autoimmune hypothyroidism.

Sub-clinical means you have a condition that has not reached a point where treatment will help.

Thyroiditis is a condition caused by an infection of the thyroid gland. The gland becomes irritated and infection settles in part of the gland. Thyroid function slows until the infection starts to clear. As the infection clears, dead cells are eliminated along with hormones that your body has not requested, and you turn hyper for a short time.

As everything settles down your hormones return to normal. Each time this happens your thyroid is damaged a little, and soon your thyroid cannot produce enough hormones to keep up with demand.

Then you are diagnosed hypothyroid, often with Hashimoto's.


You have tested hyperthyroid twice in six months. It is possible the timing was just right to catch you at the end of a bout of thyroiditis both times, but it is very unlikely.

It's more likey you are hyperthyroid. There is such a thing as transient (temporary) hyperthyroidism. Certain medications can cause it. Pregnancy can cause it. Excess iodine MIGHT cause it.

It may be a hot nodule. A hot nodule is a growth on the thyroid that produces hormones independant of the thyroid and releases them whether the body wants them or not.

Hyperthyroidism is most often diagnosed as Grave's disease.

If a TSI test comes back positive, it is Grave's. If the TSI comes back negative, then an ultrasound of the thyroid would be the next step, to see if you have nodules or other abnormalities.