Graves’ disease is a rare, autoimmune disorder that is also the most common cause of hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). It affects more females than males.

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck which produces thyroid hormones. The thyroid hormones regulate body metabolism, temperature and heart rate.

When the immune system is triggered, it produces an antibody called Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobulin (TSI). This attaches to the thyroid cells, making them produce more thyroid hormones than necessary for the body. Thereby, speeding up the body’s functions. This condition is known as Graves’ Disease. The exact cause of this autoimmune disorder is unknown.

The risk factors for Graves’ disease are family history of Hashimoto’s disease or Graves’ disease, nicotine products, smoking tobacco and other autoimmune disorders (which rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, celiac disease, type 1 diabetes, autoimmune gastritis and vitiligo).

The symptoms of Graves’ disease are weight loss, muscle weakness, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, increased appetite, hair loss, menstrual irregularities, sleeping difficulties, irritability, frequent bowel movements, goitre and excessive sweating. More than one in three people with Graves’ disease develop Gravis Ophthalmopathy (Thyroid Eye Disease). This causes light sensitivity, blurred vision, irritated eyes, painful eyes, bulging eyes and puffy eyes.

If left untreated, Graves’ disease can lead to complications such as osteoporosis, eye discomfort, pregnancy complication, menstrual cycle problems, infertility, muscle problems, stroke, blood clots and heart failure.

The laboratory diagnosis of Graves’ Disease is by Thyroid Profile Test (Thyroid-stimulating hormone test), Thyroid Antibody Blood Tests (Thyroid-stimulating antibody test, thyrotropin binding inhibitory immunoglobulin test) and Radioactive Iodine Uptake Test.

Graves’ disease can be treated by medications, radioactive therapy and thyroid surgery.

Visit MedBioTech for your thyroid profile test and radioactive iodine uptake test for quick diagnosis and intervention of Graves’ Disease.

References:
my.clevelandclinic.org
www.niddk.nih.gov