The thyroid gland, located in our neck, is an important endocrine organ. It secretes thyroid hormones that regulate various metabolic activities of the body. If too much thyroid hormone is secreted, it will show a series of disease symptoms such as fear of heat, easy sweating, increased appetite, insomnia, panic attacks, weight loss, and weakness, which is medically known as hyperthyroidism – hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is actually not uncommon. According to statistics, one to two out of every 100 women suffer from hyperthyroidism, while for men, one to two out of every 1,000 people suffer from hyperthyroidism. So, what kind of people are prone to hyperthyroidism? People with a family history of hyperthyroidism The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, which is a heritable disease. Therefore, family members of people with Graves’ disease are more likely to have hyperthyroidism than the general population. For example, there is a 30% to 60% chance that the patient’s identical twin sister will develop the disease, and the probability of hyperthyroidism occurring in the patient’s children is one times higher than that of the general population. 2. Women Women are more likely to get hyperthyroidism than men. This is because Graves’ disease is not only a genetic disease, but also an autoimmune disease. Unfortunately, all autoimmune diseases are more likely to affect women. In addition, women have to go through pregnancy and childbirth, and women are less good at regulating emotions and stress, all of which can easily trigger hyperthyroidism attacks. 3. People with high mental stress Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disease, which is related to the dysfunction of the immune system. Long-term excessive anxiety, stress, and mental stimulation may lead to immune system dysfunction, thus triggering hyperthyroidism. 4. People with thyroid nodules In addition to Graves’ disease, there are several other conditions that can cause hyperthyroidism, such as certain thyroid nodules. Thyroid nodules are like little bumps growing out of the thyroid gland. Some nodules can produce thyroid hormones on their own, causing too much thyroid hormone in the body, which can lead to hyperthyroidism. These problematic nodules can be identified through thyroid ultrasound and nuclear imaging. 5. People who have had a recent viral infection Thyroiditis can also lead to hyperthyroidism. Certain viral or bacterial infections, on the other hand, may induce thyroiditis. When the thyroid gland is damaged by inflammation from a virus or bacteria, the thyroid hormones stored in it are secreted into the bloodstream in large amounts at once, and this can cause hyperthyroidism. When you have thyroiditis, you will have symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and panic, which can easily lead people to believe that they are still recovering from a previous cold, thus delaying the diagnosis and treatment. 6. People with excessive iodine intake The thyroid gland uses iodine to synthesize thyroid hormones. Therefore, if there is too much iodine intake, the thyroid hormone will be excessive, and it will lead to hyperthyroidism. We usually eat iodized salt and then eat some seafood every now and then, which does not cause excessive iodine intake. It is only when we eat a lot of highly iodized foods such as seaweed and nori every day, or when we have to take iodine-containing medications (such as amiodarone for heart disease) for a long period of time because of treatment for other diseases, that excessive iodine intake can occur. Are you the type of person favored by hyperthyroidism? In fact, there are some efforts we can make to avoid being approached by hyperthyroidism. For example, quit smoking, like maintaining a calm and happy state of mind, like strengthening the body and preventing infections.