Subacute thyroiditis

In patients with mild symptoms of hypothyroidism and a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) <10-15 mIU/L, usually no levothyroxine is offered. Thyroid function (TSH and free thyroxine level) should be checked every 4-6 weeks, when symptoms can also be assessed. Levothyroxine should be considered if, with subsequent testing, the TSH level increases.

If levothyroxine is required, thyroid function (TSH and free thyroxine level) should be checked every 4-6 weeks, and the dose adjusted to maintain a normal TSH level.

Spontaneous, complete recovery to normal thyroid function may occur in ≥90% of patients.[2]Fatourechi V, Aniszewski JP, Fatourechi GZ, et al. Clinical features and outcome of subacute thyroiditis in an incidence cohort: Olmsted county, Minnesota, study. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2003 May;88(5):2100-5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12727961?tool=bestpractice.com ​ Recurrence is uncommon after complete recovery; therefore, no long-term monitoring of thyroid function is required following a prior episode of subacute thyroiditis.