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Hyperthyroidism Causes & Risks

Causes

Graves' disease occurs when:

  • Immune system produces antibodies that cause the thyroid gland to overproduce thyroid hormone
  • Thyroid nodules or tumors
  • Toxic uninodular goiter—a single nodule in the thyroid gland
  • Toxic multinodular goiter—multiple areas in the thyroid gland which overproduce thyroid hormone
  • Subacute thyroiditis—inflammation of the thyroid gland (often later leads to hypothyroidism )

Risk Factors

These factors increase your chance of developing Graves' disease:

  • Sex: female (eight times more common in women)
  • Age: between 30-40 years old
  • Pregnancy: postpartum thyroiditis (hyperthyroidism followed by hypothyroidism)
  • Family history of Graves' disease
  • Certain viral infections
  • Smoking

Tell your doctor if you have these risk factors.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2024 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.

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