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Thyroiditis
Thyroiditis is an inflammation or enlargement of the thyroid gland, and can be caused either by antibodies that attack the gland (autoimmune thyroiditis), or by a bacterial/viral infection (subacute thyroiditis).
There are a number of forms of thyroiditis, including Hashimoto's thyroiditis (which is the most common) and postpartum thyroiditis.
Hashimoto's thyroiditis may cause the thyroid gland to ultimately destroy itself. The thyroid gland may enlarge producing a goitre or simply atrophy and shrink. Hashimoto's usually causes hypothyroid symptoms (underactive) and very rarely it may cause hyperthyroidism.
Hashimoto's is an autoimmune disorder which runs in families.