Definition And Causes

Graves Disease: Understanding an Autoimmune Disorder that Affects the Thyroid

Definition and Causes

Graves' disease is an autoimmune condition where the body produces antibodies that attack the TSH receptor on its thyroid gland. This causes the thyroid to become overactive and produce excessive thyroid hormones, resulting in hyperthyroidism.

Symptoms of Graves' Disease

Common symptoms include:

• Nervousness or irritability
• Increased heart rate
• Increased sweating
• Weight loss
• Muscle weakness
• Goiter (enlarged thyroid gland)

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is made through physical examination, blood tests, and a radioactive iodine uptake scan. Treatment options include:

• Anti-thyroid medications to reduce thyroid hormone levels
• Radioactive iodine therapy to shrink the thyroid gland
• Surgery to remove part of the thyroid gland

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