Hyperthyroidism caused by Grave's disease tends to run in families and is more common in women than in men. You are also at high risk if you have had a thyroid problem before, eg goiter or thyroid surgery; type 1 diabetes; have a family history of thyroid disease; eat large amounts of food containing iodine or use iodine-containing medications, eg heart medication; are over 60 and have been pregnant or delivered a baby within the past 6mths.
Attribution: Straight Talk Foundation