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I had a hair analysis done and had a high iodine level.The referance range was 0.16-1.75 and mine is 4.90. Also mercury reference range was 0.00-1.64 and antimony 0.000-0.030 and mine was 0.044. Could the high iodine level be caused by a thyroid problem?

I do not have a lot of faith in hair analyses, but with that caveat I will answer your question. While it would be inaccurate to say that excess iodine causes hyperthyroidism, it is well established that it is associated with hyperthyroidism, particularly in older people. Paradoxically it is also associated with hypothyroidism, apparently by suppressing thyroid hormone release from the thyroid gland. Supplementation with iodine, especially in high quantity, is inadvisable unless it is certain that there are inadequate supplies of iodine in the diet. Excessive iodine can come from drugs, dietary supplements, cough and cold remedies, foods such as kelp and various preparations containing seaweed extracts.

Is a high iodine level caused by a thyroid problem or does excess iodine intake cause thyroid problems?

That is a very good question. The answer is neither and both. If there is a tendency (net necessarily expressed) for hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, an excess of a deficiency of iodine can push the situation over the edge and result in dysregulation of the entire thyroid system. So it can go either way.