Graves' disease is a condition that affects your thyroid gland, which produces hormones that regulate metabolism, heart rate, and other body functions. Your immune system mistakenly attacks your own healthy cells in Graves’ disease, which is an autoimmune disorder. The thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone when your immune system produces antibodies. Symptoms and complications of hyperthyroidism can result from this condition.
The exact cause of Graves’ disease is unknown, but some factors may increase your risk of developing it. These include:
Gender: Women are more likely than men to develop Graves’ disease.
Age: Graves’ disease usually affects people between the ages of 30 and 50, but it can occur at any age.
Family history: Having a close relative with Graves’ disease or another autoimmune disorder may increase your risk.
Smoking: Smoking can worsen the symptoms of Graves’ disease, especially those affecting the eyes.
Stress: Physical or emotional stress may trigger or worsen Graves’ disease in some people.
The symptoms of Graves’ disease vary from person to person and may depend on the severity of your hyperthyroidism. Some of the common symptoms include:
Anxiety and irritability
Weight loss despite normal or increased appetite
Heat intolerance and increased sweating
Palpitations or rapid heartbeat
Tremors or shaking of the hands or fingers
Fatigue or weakness
Difficulty sleeping
Frequent bowel movements or diarrhea
Changes in menstrual cycles or reduced libido
Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter) or swelling in the neck
Eye problems such as bulging eyes, redness, dryness, sensitivity to light, or vision changes (Graves’ ophthalmopathy)
Skin problems such as thickening or reddening of the skin on the shins or feet (Graves’ dermopathy)
In order to diagnose Graves' disease, your doctor will ask you about your medical history, family history, symptoms, and medications. Your doctor will also perform a physical examination to check your thyroid gland, heart rate, blood pressure, eyes, and skin. In order to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes, you may also need some tests.
Thyroid hormone levels (T3 and T4) and thyroid stimulating hormone levels (TSH) are measured in your blood. If you have high levels of T3 and T4 and low levels of TSH, you are hyperthyroid. You may also undergo a blood test to detect thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI), antibodies that cause Graves' disease.
In Graves' disease, your thyroid gland absorbs more iodine than normal, indicating overactivity. A radioactive iodine uptake test measures how much iodine your thyroid gland absorbs from your blood.
The purpose of a thyroid scan is to determine the size, shape, and function of your thyroid gland, as well as to detect any nodules or inflammation.
A thyroid ultrasound measures the size of your thyroid gland and detects any nodules or cysts by using sound waves.
Examine the eyes for signs of Graves' ophthalmopathy such as bulging eyes or changes in vision.
The main goal of treatment for Graves’ disease is to reduce the production or effects of excess thyroid hormone and relieve the symptoms. Treatment options may vary based on your age, health condition, preferences, and severity of hyperthyroidism.
The antithyroid drug propylthiouracil or methimazole can lower thyroid hormone levels in your blood by blocking thyroid hormone synthesis. The effects of excess thyroid hormone on your heart rate, blood pressure, and anxiety can be reduced with beta blockers like propranolol or atenolol. You may need to take these medications for several months or years until your condition stabilizes.
An overactive thyroid gland is destroyed by taking a pill or liquid containing radioactive iodine. By doing so, you can reduce your thyroid gland's size and function and lower your thyroid hormone levels in your blood. To prevent hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone levels), you may have to take thyroid hormone replacement pills after this treatment.
In this procedure, your thyroid gland is removed (thyroidectomy). You will have to take thyroid hormone replacement pills for the rest of your life after this surgery if you are suffering from hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Surgery is usually reserved for those who cannot tolerate or respond to other treatments, or have a large goiter or eye problems.
There is no known way to prevent Graves’ disease, but you can take some steps to manage your condition and reduce the risk of complications. These include:
Taking your medications as prescribed by your doctor and having regular blood tests to monitor your thyroid hormone levels.
Avoiding smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke, which can worsen your symptoms and increase the risk of eye problems.
Eating a balanced diet that provides enough iodine, calcium, and vitamin D for your thyroid and bone health.
Avoiding foods or supplements that contain large amounts of iodine, such as seaweed, kelp, or iodized salt, which can interfere with your treatment.
Avoiding stress and practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing, which can help improve your mood and well-being.
Seeking medical attention if you notice any signs of infection, such as fever, sore throat, or swollen glands, which can indicate a rare but serious side effect of antithyroid drugs called agranulocytosis (low white blood cell count).
Wearing sunglasses and eye drops to protect your eyes from sunlight and dryness if you have Graves’ ophthalmopathy.
Consulting your doctor before planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding if you have Graves’ disease, as your condition and treatment may affect your fertility and the health of your baby.
