Graves disease Health Article

Definition

Graves disease is an autoimmune disorder that leads to overactivity of the thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism).

Alternative Names

Diffuse thyrotoxic goiter

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

The thyroid gland is an important organ of the endocrine system. It is located in the front of the neck just below the voice box. This gland releases the hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which control body metabolism. Controlling metabolism is critical for regulating mood, weight, and mental and physical energy levels.

If the body makes too much thyroid hormone, the condition is called hyperthyroidism. (An underactive thyroid leads to hypothyroidism.)

Graves disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. It is caused by an abnormal immune system response that attacks the thyroid gland, and it causes too much production of thyroid hormones. Graves disease is most common in women over age 20. However, the disorder may occur at any age and may affect men as well.

Symptoms

• Anxiety
• Breast enlargement in men (possible)
• Difficulty concentrating
• Double vision
• Eyeballs that stick out (exophthalmos)
• Eye irritation and tearing
• Fatigue
• Frequent bowel movements
• Goiter (possible)
• Heat intolerance
• Increased appetite
• Increased sweating
• Insomnia
• Menstrual irregularities in women
• Muscle weakness
• Nervousness
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
• Restlessness and difficulty sleeping
• Shortness of breath with exertion
• Tremor
• Weight loss (rarely, weight gain)

Signs and tests

Physical examination shows an increased heart rate. Examination of the neck may show that the thyroid gland is enlarged (goiter).

Other tests include:

• Serum TSH
• Serum T3 and free T4
• Radioactive iodine uptake

This disease may also affect the following test results:

• Orbit CT scan or ultrasound
• Thyroid stimulation immunoglobulin (TSI), thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibody