Frequently asked question: Can you be born with hyperthyroidism?

No. Usually a thyroid gland that works too quickly starts to do so during childhood or adolescence. This is what we call acquired hyperthyroidism. Usually, you get this disease from an auto-immune reaction in which your body produces stimulating antibodies against the TSH receptor. This makes your thyroid gland work more rapidly (Graves' Disease). Other, less frequently occurring causes, are: Hashitoxicosis, a (sub-)acute thyroid infection, toxic multinodular goiter or several thyroid nodules, a thyroid gland damaged by radiation or injury, an overstimulated thyroid gland due to an excess of iodine or a problem with the pituitary gland (pituitary adenoma).

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