Graves' Disease: Understanding an Overactive Thyroid

What is Graves' Disease?

Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes your thyroid gland to produce excessive thyroid hormone. This leads to hyperthyroidism, a condition where your body's metabolism speeds up.

Causes of Graves' Disease

The exact cause of Graves' disease is unknown.

It's believed to be an autoimmune condition where your immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, stimulating it to produce too much thyroid hormone.

Symptoms of Graves' Disease

Symptoms of Graves' disease are often related to hyperthyroidism and may include:

• Rapid heartbeat (palpitations)

• Nervousness or anxiety  

• Tremor  

• Weight loss despite increased appetite  

• Fatigue  

• Heat intolerance  

• Increased sweating  

• Difficulty sleeping  

• Changes in bowel habits (diarrhea)  

• Bulging eyes (exophthalmos)  

• Goiter (enlarged thyroid gland)

Diagnosis of Graves' Disease

Your endocrinologist will typically diagnose Graves' disease through a physical exam, medical history, and blood tests. Blood tests measure thyroid hormone levels and can also check for thyroid-stimulating antibodies (TSH receptor antibodies), which are often present in people with Graves' disease. Additional tests, such as thyroid scans or ultrasounds, may be needed to assess the thyroid gland.  

Treatment for Graves' Disease

Treatment options for Graves' disease aim to reduce thyroid hormone production and manage symptoms. These may include:  

• Antithyroid medications: These drugs can decrease the amount of thyroid hormone produced.  

• Radioactive iodine therapy: This treatment destroys part of the thyroid gland, reducing hormone production.  

• Thyroid surgery: In some cases, removing all or part of the thyroid gland may be necessary.

Living with Graves' Disease

Managing Graves' disease often involves regular monitoring of thyroid hormone levels and adjusting treatment as needed. Lifestyle modifications, such as stress management and a balanced diet, can also help manage symptoms.  

Check out this brochure on Graves' Disease, as provided by the American Thyroid Association: https://www.thyroid.org/wp-content/uploads/patients/brochures/Graves_brochure.pdf 

Reference List:

• American Thyroid Association: www.thyroid.org

• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK): https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/endocrine-diseases/graves-disease