Causes of Hyperthyroidism and Risk Factors

  • Hyperthyroidism
    Subclinical and overt hyperthyroidism is present in 1.6% and 1.3% of the Indian population according to one study. The equivalent number is 1% in an American population. Hyperthyroidism or thyrotoxicosis is an overactive thyroid where the thyroid gland produces too much of the thyroid hormones. Hyperthyroidism can accelerate your body's metabolism, causing unintentional weight loss and a rapid or irregular heartbeat.  
Submitted by Dr S. Patel on 16 July 2022

There are many possible causes of Hyperthyroidism such as:

  • Graves' disease accounts for 60-80% of all cases. It is an autoimmune disorder, whereby the body’s immune system attacks the gland causing it to make more thyroid hormones.
  • Thyroiditis or inflammation of the thyroid gland causes thyroid hormones to leak into the bloodstream. Thyroiditis can be painless or silent, subacute or postpartum (post- delivery) and can show symptoms of hypothyroidism as well.
  • Thyroid nodules or lumps are common and non-cancerous. Often seen in elderly patients, one or more of the lumps can become overactive and produce more hormones.
  • Excessive Iodine intake can cause increased production of the thyroid hormones. Certain medicines, cough syrups and seaweed-based supplements are high in iodine content.
  • Excessive intake of thyroid medicine. People with hypothyroidism who are on thyroid medicine are most at risk for this. If they take too much medication, it may cause a surge in hormone levels. Hence, patients with hypothyroidism must check their hormone levels at least once a year.
  • Benign tumor in the pituitary gland is not very common but can cause hyperthyroidism.
  • Ectopic thyroid tissue is where thyroid tissue is found outside its normal site. It is rare and due to a developmental issue.

If you are interested in Graves Disease: Click here  

 

Community
Endocrine System
Condition
Hyperthyroidism
Changed
Sat, 07/16/2022 - 19:18

Stories

  • Stock pic of a writing pad with the heading Hyperthyroidism and stethoscope and pills on a wooden table top
    Hyperthyroidism Treatment
    Treatment of Hyperthyroidism Hyperthyroidism is usually treated with: Medicines commonly include Beta-blockers or Antithyroid pills. Radioiodine Therapy is an effective method  that uses radioactive iodine -131 to destroy the cells in the gland. Can be taken in the form of capsules or liquid. Thyroid surgery to remove part of the thyroid gland is less commonly done. Is done only when medications are ineffective or not optional such as people with large goiters or pregnant women. Note:…
  • Stock pic of a writing pad with the heading Hyperthyroidism and stethoscope and pills on a wooden table top
    Management of Hyperthyroidism
    Steps to Managing Hyperthyroidism Take your daily medication on time. It will reduce your symptoms and keep the thyroid hormones in balance. There is no specific diet but reduce intake of iodine. Iodine is present in certain foods, supplements and medications like cough syrups. Keep a check on your blood pressure and blood glucose levels. Hypertension and Diabetes are commonly associated with Thyroid dysfunction.   Download our e-books on hypertension and diabetes management.
  • Stock pic of a writing pad with the heading Hyperthyroidism and stethoscope and pills on a wooden table top
    Prevention of Hyperthyroidism
    There is no clear way to prevent hyperthyroidism but you can reduce your risk by doing the following: Get your hormone levels checked all through pregnancy and 6 months after giving birth. Control your diabetes. Check your Vitamin B12 levels. People with pernicious anemia are at a higher risk. Check your thyroid levels regularly if you have a family history or if you have had a thyroid problem or surgery in the past. References: NIH: National institute of Diabetes and Digestive Kidney…
  • Stock pic of a writing pad with the heading Hyperthyroidism and stethoscope and pills on a wooden table top
    Hyperthyroidism Test and Diagnosis
    Diagnosis of Hyperthyroidism is based on a full clinical history, physical examination and blood tests. Blood test of serum TSH, T3, T4  and Thyroid antibody levels is done initially. Further testing includes thyroid scan, ultrasound and radioactive iodine uptake test.
  • Stock pic of a writing pad with the heading Hyperthyroidism and stethoscope and pills on a wooden table top
    Types and Stages of Hyperthyroidism
    Hyperthyroidism is classified into two types: Primary Hyperthyroidism is essentially Graves' disease which accounts for 60-80% of all cases of hyperthyroidism. It is an autoimmune disorder.  Secondary Hyperthyroidism can be due to a nodule, goitre or any rare cause. Read more about Graves' Disease here  
  • Stock pic of a writing pad with the heading Hyperthyroidism and stethoscope and pills on a wooden table top
    Hyperthyroidism Signs and Symptoms
    The table below lists the symptoms of Hyperthyroidism or Thyrotoxicosis:  
  • Causes of Hyperthyroidism and Risk Factors
    There are many possible causes of Hyperthyroidism such as: Graves' disease accounts for 60-80% of all cases. It is an autoimmune disorder, whereby the body’s immune system attacks the gland causing it to make more thyroid hormones. Thyroiditis or inflammation of the thyroid gland causes thyroid hormones to leak into the bloodstream. Thyroiditis can be painless or silent, subacute or postpartum (post- delivery) and can show symptoms of hypothyroidism as well. Thyroid nodules or lumps are common…
  • Overview of Hyperthyroidism
    What is Hyperthyroidism The thyroid is an endocrine gland situated at the base of the neck. It is a vital gland that produces three major hormones : T3 (Triiodothyronine), T4 (Thyroxine) and Calcitonin. These hormones play a major role in the growth, metabolism and development of the human body. When there is an oversecretion of the T3 and T4 hormones, it leads to a condition termed Hyperthyroidism or Overactive Thyroid or  Thyrotoxicosis. The term thyrotoxicosis is used to refer to the…