Which diseases may cause hyperthyroidism?

Sep 11, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Hyperthyroidism usually refers to hyperfunction of the thyroid gland. Under normal circumstances, various diseases may cause hyperthyroidism, including diffuse toxic goiter, autonomous hyperfunctioning thyroid adenoma, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, subacute thyroiditis, and pituitary TSH-secreting adenoma. In addition, excessive iodine intake or certain medications may also induce hyperthyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism usually refers to hyperthyroidism. Generally speaking, various diseases may cause hyperthyroidism. Common causes include diffuse toxic goiter, autonomous hyperfunctioning thyroid adenoma, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, subacute thyroiditis, and pituitary TSH-secreting adenoma. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Diffuse Toxic Goiter

This disease belongs to autoimmune disorders, in which patients' bodies produce autoantibodies against the thyroid gland. These antibodies continuously stimulate thyroid tissue, promoting excessive synthesis and release of thyroid hormones beyond the body's normal needs, thereby causing hyperthyroidism. Therefore, this condition is one of the main causes of hyperthyroidism.

2. Autonomous Hyperfunctioning Thyroid Adenoma

An autonomous hyperfunctioning thyroid adenoma is a benign tumor within the thyroid gland. These tumor cells are not controlled by the body's normal regulatory mechanisms and can autonomously synthesize and secrete large amounts of thyroid hormones. As these hormones accumulate in the body, they disrupt the balance of thyroid hormones, leading to the occurrence of hyperthyroidism.

3. Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

Although Hashimoto's thyroiditis is classified as a chronic autoimmune thyroiditis, it often presents initially with normal thyroid function or hypothyroidism. However, during certain stages of the disease, thyroid follicles may be damaged by inflammation, resulting in the massive release of thyroid hormones. A large influx of hormones into the bloodstream within a short period can cause symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

4. Subacute Thyroiditis

Subacute thyroiditis is mostly caused by viral infections, which damage the structure of thyroid follicles. Thyroid hormones stored in the damaged follicles are released in large quantities into the bloodstream, causing a sharp increase in thyroid hormone levels in the blood, thus triggering temporary hyperthyroidism. Once the thyroid follicles repair themselves, symptoms may gradually subside.

5. Pituitary TSH-Secreting Adenoma

A pituitary TSH-secreting adenoma is a tumor located in the pituitary gland that abnormally secretes large amounts of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). This hormone acts on the thyroid gland, stimulating it to continuously synthesize and secrete thyroid hormones, resulting in excessively high levels of thyroid hormones in the body and ultimately causing hyperthyroidism.

In addition, excessive iodine intake or certain medications may also induce hyperthyroidism. In daily life, people should pay attention to reasonable iodine intake, avoid the abuse of iodine-containing medications, and undergo regular thyroid function examinations to detect abnormalities promptly.

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