What Causes High Thyroid Levels?

High thyroid levels are a result of an overactive thyroid, which can lead to a condition called hyperthyroidism. There are numerous causes for high thyroid levels in the body.

Background

• High thyroid levels are common in women over age 34; women over age 50 have the greatest risk of developing the condition. High thyroid levels are generally caused by the improper functioning of thyroid hormones.

Thyroxine

• Thyroxine is responsible for releasing the right amount of hormones to ensure proper thyroid function. When thyroxine is not functioning properly, it causes a spike in thyroid levels.

Graves' Disease

• Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes the production of high amounts of thyroxine hormone. According to the Mayo Clinic, Graves' disease is responsible for most hyperthyroidism cases.

Thyroiditis

• Thyroid glands can become inflamed without apparent reason; this condition is often called thyroiditis. During thyroiditis, inflamed thyroid glands cause thyroxine to leak into the bloodstream. In rare but severe cases, the glands can become very painful.

Thyroid Adenomas

• When the thyroid and adenomas produce too much thyroxine, it causes an elevation in thyroid levels in the body and produces lumps. Thyroid adenomas are benign lumps that cause the thyroid to enlarge and elevate thyroxine levels.