Thyroiditis

Thyroiditis is inflammation in the thyroid. This is not the same as having nodules, this is where there is actual inflammation in the thyroid tissue. The condition is associated with hypothyroidism as in many cases thyroid cells are damaged or die because of the inflammation, causing the thyroid to become underactive.

Hashimoto's disease is the most common cause of thyroiditis. This is an autoimmune condition that may actually run in family's and according to research if you have a family history of non-thyroid autoimmune conditions like diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis there may be a greater risk of developing it as well.