How is hyperthyroidism caused?
Disease description:
Recently, I noticed that my neck was somewhat swollen and my throat felt slightly uncomfortable. After visiting the hospital for an examination, I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. I am very puzzled—how does hyperthyroidism develop?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Chuanjia
Hyperthyroidism, also known as thyrotoxicosis, may be caused by genetic factors, autoimmune conditions, environmental factors, psychological factors, or excessive iodine intake.
Hyperthyroidism tends to run in families, with a higher incidence of thyroid diseases among close relatives of patients compared to the general population. When the body's immune system becomes dysfunctional, T lymphocytes may become sensitive to antigens within the thyroid gland, stimulating B lymphocytes to produce antibodies against the body's own thyroid components, leading to thyroid tissue proliferation and hyperfunction.
The most common form is Graves' disease, an autoimmune disorder in which the body produces antibodies that target the thyroid gland, stimulating it to secrete excessive amounts of thyroid hormones. Environmental factors such as electromagnetic fields, microwave radiation, ionizing radiation, and chemical substances resulting from environmental degradation, such as polyhalogenated aromatic hydrocarbons, perchlorates, and heavy metals, may also cause thyroid dysfunction, leading to hyperthyroidism.
Although iodine is an essential element for the synthesis of thyroid hormones, excessive iodine intake, especially in individuals with a genetic predisposition, may also trigger hyperthyroidism. Diagnosis of hyperthyroidism requires a combination of clinical symptoms, physical signs, and laboratory tests. Treatment depends on the specific cause and severity of the condition and may include antithyroid medications, radioactive iodine therapy, or surgical removal of the thyroid gland.
