Graves' Disease

Graves' disease is an autoimmune condition where the immune system overstimulates the thyroid gland, causing it to produce too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism). These hormones help control how the body uses energy, so when there is too much, everything speeds up - heart rate, metabolism, and even anxiety. It is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism in the U.S., especially in women under 40.

Overactive thyroid symptoms: Fast or irregular heartbeat; Anxiety or irritability; Shakiness or hand tremors; Weight loss despite normal or increased appetite; Sweating and heat intolerance; Difficulty sleeping; Frequent bowel movements; Menstrual changes. Thyroid-related physical signs: Goiter (enlarged thyroid at the front of the neck); Bulging eyes (Graves' ophthalmopathy); Thickened skin over the shins (pretibial myxedema, rare); Fatigue or muscle weakness; Hair thinning or brittle hair.

Caused by immune system creating autoantibodies (TRAbs) that attack the thyroid gland, making it overproduce hormones. Risk factors include family history of thyroid or autoimmune diseases, being female, smoking, stress, infection, or pregnancy.

Blood tests to check for high thyroid hormones (T3, T4) and low TSH; TSI test (thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin) - confirms autoimmune cause; Thyroid ultrasound to check for enlargement or nodules; Radioactive iodine uptake scan to measure thyroid activity.

Anti-thyroid medications (like methimazole or PTU) to reduce hormone production; Radioactive iodine therapy to shrink or destroy overactive thyroid tissue; Thyroid surgery (rarely) to remove the gland; Beta-blockers to manage symptoms like tremors and fast heart rate; Steroids or eye drops for Graves' eye disease. Patients treated with radioactive iodine or surgery will likely need lifelong thyroid hormone replacement (levothyroxine).

Most people can manage the condition well with treatment. Graves' disease is not curable, but symptoms can be controlled long-term. Eye symptoms may persist or worsen even after the thyroid is under control. Without treatment, it can lead to serious complications like thyroid storm.

Affects about 1 in 200 people. 7-8 times more common in women. Most common between ages 30-50, but can occur at any age.