What causes Thyrotoxicosis?

Thyrotoxicosis occurs when the thyroid produces too much thyroid hormone, leading to increased metabolism and a range of symptoms. The most common cause of thyrotoxicosis is Graves' disease, an autoimmune disorder where the immune system produces thyroid-stimulating antibodies that bind to the thyroid gland and cause it to overproduce thyroid hormone.

Here are some other causes of thyrotoxicosis:

Toxic nodular goiter: This condition occurs when nodules or lumps develop in the thyroid gland, and one or more of these nodules become overactive and produce too much thyroid hormone.

Toxic multinodular goiter: This is a variant of toxic nodular goiter where multiple nodules in the thyroid gland become overactive and lead to excessive thyroid hormone production.

Subacute thyroiditis: This is a transient inflammation of the thyroid gland, often triggered by a viral infection. In some cases, subacute thyroiditis can lead to temporary thyrotoxicosis as the inflamed thyroid gland releases excessive amounts of thyroid hormone into the bloodstream.

Amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis: Amiodarone is a medication commonly used to treat heart rhythm disorders. It contains iodine, which can interfere with thyroid function. In some people, amiodarone can cause thyrotoxicosis.

Struma ovarii: This is a rare condition in which thyroid tissue develops in an ovarian tumor. Struma ovarii can produce thyroid hormone and lead to symptoms of thyrotoxicosis.

Factitious thyrotoxicosis: This is a very rare condition in which someone intentionally takes thyroid hormone medication or other substances to produce symptoms of thyrotoxicosis.