Journal of Thyroid Disorders & Therapy
Open Access

Graves Disease

n immune system disorder of the butterfly-shaped gland in the throat (thyroid).

The thyroid overproduces hormones. The condition is more common in women under the age of 40.

Symptoms include anxiety, hand tremor, heat sensitivity, weight loss, puffy eyes and enlarged thyroid.

Treatment includes medication, radioiodine therapy and surgery 

Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid. With this disease, your immune system attacks the thyroid and causes it to make more thyroid hormone than your body needs. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the front of your neck. Scientists do not know the exact cause of Graves' disease. We know that, somehow, the body's immune system is tricked into targeting receptors on the thyroid gland, causing hyperthyroidism. Research suggests that Graves' disease may be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors Graves' disease is rarely life-threatening. However, without treatment, it can lead to heart problems and weak and brittle bones. ... Some people also may develop Graves' ophthalmopathy, a condition that causes redness and swelling around the eyes and bulging of the eyeballs within the eye sockets

Symptoms: Hyperthyroidism; Pretibial myxedema

Diseases or conditions caused: Hyperthyroidism