Why do people develop hyperthyroidism?
Sep 11, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Hyperthyroidism usually refers to hyperfunction of the thyroid gland. Under normal circumstances, hyperthyroidism may be caused by long-term excessive iodine intake, prolonged mental stress, toxic diffuse goiter (Graves' disease), subacute thyroiditis, or thyroid autonomously functioning adenoma. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and undergo symptomatic treatment under a physician's guidance.
Hyperthyroidism generally refers to hyperfunction of the thyroid gland. Under normal circumstances, hyperthyroidism may be caused by long-term excessive iodine intake, chronic mental stress, toxic diffuse goiter, subacute thyroiditis, or thyroid autonomous hyperfunctioning adenoma. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation to identify the underlying cause and receive symptomatic treatment under a physician's guidance. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Long-term excessive iodine intake: Long-term consumption of large amounts of kelp, nori, iodine-containing health products, etc., may elevate iodine levels in the body, thereby stimulating the thyroid gland to secrete excessive hormones and trigger hyperthyroidism. Dietary adjustments are needed to reduce intake of high-iodine foods, choose low-iodine salt, avoid iodine-containing health products, and maintain daily iodine intake within a reasonable range.
2. Chronic mental stress: Prolonged anxiety, high stress, and frequent emotional fluctuations may affect the nervous system's regulation of the thyroid gland, promoting increased secretion of thyroid hormones and inducing hyperthyroidism. Stress can be relieved through exercise, meditation, social activities, etc., to maintain emotional stability.
3. Toxic diffuse goiter: This is an autoimmune disease in which antibodies produced by the immune system stimulate the thyroid gland, leading to excessive secretion of thyroid hormones. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as methimazole tablets, propylthiouracil tablets, and propranolol hydrochloride tablets to inhibit the synthesis and release of thyroid hormones and alleviate symptoms.
4. Subacute thyroiditis: Often triggered by viral infection, inflammation damages thyroid tissue, leading to massive release of thyroid hormones into the bloodstream and causing temporary hyperthyroidism. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, prednisone acetate tablets, and methimazole tablets to alleviate inflammation, control hormone levels, and promote recovery of thyroid function.
5. Thyroid autonomous hyperfunctioning adenoma: A benign adenoma forms within the thyroid gland, and the adenoma autonomously secretes large amounts of thyroid hormones, leading to hyperthyroidism. If the adenoma is large, a thyroid adenoma resection may be performed to remove the lesion and reduce hormone secretion.
In daily life, maintain a bland diet, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and reduce consumption of stimulants such as coffee and strong tea. Maintain regular作息 (作息 should be translated as "作息" here since it refers to lifestyle habits such as sleep and rest patterns), avoid excessive fatigue, monitor thyroid function regularly, adjust treatment plans according to test results, and help maintain stable thyroid function.
