The cause of this type of thyroiditis is unknown. The disease affects women more commonly than men and usually develops between 13 and 80 years old. Risk factors are being female, over 30 years old, and having a current pregnancy .
Prevention is unknown.
Radioactive iodine uptake is decreased. Serum T3 and T4 are elevated. A thyroid biopsy shows infiltration with lymphocytes. Treatment is symptomatic . The disease is usually resolved within 1 year, with the acute phase ending in 3 months.