What are the causes of hyperthyroidism?

Aug 26, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Hyperthyroidism usually refers to hyperfunction of the thyroid gland. Generally, the main causes of hyperthyroidism include excessive mental stress, excessive iodine intake, toxic diffuse goiter (Graves' disease), thyroid autonomous hyperfunctioning adenoma, and pituitary tumors. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical treatment at a qualified hospital. A detailed analysis is as follows:

Hyperthyroidism usually refers to hyperthyroidism. Generally, the main causes of hyperthyroidism include excessive mental stress, excessive iodine intake, toxic diffuse goiter, thyroid autonomous hyperfunctioning adenoma, and pituitary tumor. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely treatment at a regular hospital. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Excessive Mental Stress

Long-term high-pressure status can stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, leading to excessive secretion of thyroid hormones by the thyroid tissue, thus triggering hyperthyroidism. In daily life, one should learn to regulate emotions by listening to music, exercising, and communicating with others to relieve stress and maintain a pleasant mood. Sufficient sleep should be ensured, and long-term熬夜 (staying up late) should be avoided to prevent increased mental strain.

2. Excessive Iodine Intake

Iodine is an essential raw material for synthesizing thyroid hormones. Long-term excessive iodine intake, such as frequent consumption of iodine-rich foods like kelp and nori, or long-term use of iodine-containing medications, can lead to overproduction of thyroid hormones, inducing hyperthyroidism. Iodine intake should be controlled, and the frequency of consuming high-iodine foods should be reduced. If iodine-containing medications are required due to illness, they should be taken strictly as directed by a physician, avoiding self-adjustment of dosage.

3. Toxic Diffuse Goiter

This is the most common pathological factor causing hyperthyroidism. Patients with this condition have abnormal immune systems that produce antibodies stimulating the thyroid gland, leading to thyroid tissue proliferation and excessive secretion of thyroid hormones. Under a physician's guidance, medications such as methimazole tablets, propylthiouracil tablets, and carbimazole tablets can be used to inhibit thyroid hormone synthesis.

4. Thyroid Autonomous Hyperfunctioning Adenoma

A benign tumor within the thyroid gland autonomously secretes thyroid hormones. This type of adenoma is not regulated by the body's normal control mechanisms and continuously secretes excessive thyroid hormones, causing hyperthyroidism. Usually, surgical removal of the thyroid adenoma is required. If the patient's physical condition is unsuitable for surgery, medications such as methimazole tablets, propylthiouracil tablets, and metoprolol tartrate tablets may be used under a physician's guidance.

5. Pituitary Tumor

A pituitary tumor can abnormally secrete thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which continuously stimulates thyroid tissue, promoting excessive synthesis and secretion of thyroid hormones, thereby causing hyperthyroidism. After physician evaluation, appropriate treatment should be selected based on the size and location of the pituitary tumor. Medications such as bromocriptine tablets, cabergoline tablets, and pergolide tablets may be used to inhibit tumor growth and hormone secretion, or transsphenoidal pituitary tumor resection surgery may be performed.

In daily life, maintaining regular作息 (作息 refers to作息 time or routine) and avoiding excessive fatigue are important. A balanced diet with reasonable iodine intake should be maintained. Regular thyroid function examinations should be conducted for early detection and early intervention. If already diagnosed, medication and follow-up visits should strictly follow medical advice, with timely adjustments to the treatment plan.

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