What is thyroiditis?

Thyroiditis is inflammation of the thyroid. It happens when the body's immune system makes antibodies that attack the thyroid.

Causes of thyroiditis include:

• Autoimmune diseases, like type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis
• Genetics
• Viral or bacterial infection
• Certain types of medicines

Two common types of thyroiditis are Hashimoto's disease and postpartum thyroiditis.