Symptom 8: Weight Changes – A Subtle Sign
Unexplained weight changes, both gain and loss, can be an underappreciated symptom of acute infectious thyroiditis. This symptom can be traced back to the vital role the thyroid gland plays in controlling the body’s metabolism. When the thyroid is infected, it can produce hormones erratically, leading to unexpected weight fluctuations.
Weight gain, in particular, may result from a slower metabolism due to the illness. Patients might notice clothes fitting tighter or a gradual upward trend on the scale, despite maintaining their regular diet and physical activity. On the other hand, some people might experience weight loss due to increased metabolism if the infected thyroid gland is producing an excess of thyroid hormones.
However, weight changes due to acute infectious thyroiditis are often subtle and can be easily overlooked or attributed to other factors like dietary changes or stress. Still, when coupled with other symptoms, such as fatigue or neck swelling, they can point towards the presence of an underlying thyroid issue.(8)
