Graves’ Disease is an immune system disorder that causes thyroid to become hyperactive i.e., work harder than it needs to, also called as Hyperthyroidism. Graves’ Disease named after the man who fist described it, Sir Robert Graves. Though some other causes of hyperthyroidism are also there but GRAVES’ DISEASE is the most common and leading cause.

Causes:

Exact cause for autoimmune disease like graves’ disease is not known yet, some unknown triggers are responsible to affect immune system and make them overproduce an antibody called thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin, they attach to healthy thyroid cells causing the gland to overproduce thyroid hormones. Triggers can be anything a combination of genes, exposure to a virus etc.

Who Are At Higher Risk:

People are at high risk if they have:

Family history

Celiac disease

Vitiligo, skin disorder that changes skin coloration

Stress

Rheumatoid arthritis

Diabetes type 1

Hormone disorder like Addison’s disease

Crohn’s disease.

Symptoms:

Intolerance to heat

Chest pain

Sweating

Anxiety

Irritability

Muscle weakness

Unexplained weight loss

Rapid or irregular heartbeat, etc.

Precaution/ Treatment:

There are various types of treatment for Graves’ Disease. The main motive is just to break off the overproduction of thyroid hormones and relieves the symptoms. Main treatments are like:

Anti-thyroid medication

Radioiodine therapy

Beta blockers

Surgery.

 

References:

https://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/graves-disease/graves-disease-symptoms

https://www.healthline.com/health/graves-disease#risk-factors

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15244-graves-disease?__cf_chl_managed_tk__=jtoVtcwA0TRWmXFCCLc.1dPwg4O3ITOwTWmxb7PY9h8-1643101315-0-gaNycGzNCpE

https://www.webmd.com/women/understanding-graves-disease-basics?__cf_chl_managed_tk__=Z6ByhlzZ.O1BuawhDtal_tqyktZyh0rXK3DBD4vElCw-1643009382-0-gaNycGzNEf0