Graves' disease is one of thecauses of hyperthyroidism(overactive thyroid).
It’s due to an autoimmune attack on thethyroid glandthat leads to the overproduction ofthyroid hormones.
Graves' disease is diagnosed based on symptoms, a physical examination, and blood tests.
Illustration by Emily Roberts, Verywell
Imaging tests may be needed as well.
If you have Graves' disease, you may also need treatment for symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
And there are alsosymptoms specific to Graves' disease.
This complication can be fatal, but immediate medical treatment can alleviate the condition.
General anesthesia for surgery is a common trigger for a thyroid storm in people with hyperthyroidism.
Causes
An autoimmune process is when the immune system mistakenly targets a person’s own body.
With Graves' disease, the body produces antibodies (infection-fighting proteins) against the thyroid gland.
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is released by the pituitary gland in the brain.
It binds to TSH receptors on the thyroid gland to trigger the production of thyroid hormones.
TSHR-Ab acts like TSH, signaling the thyroid gland to keep putting out TSHeven when it’s not needed.
Diagnosis
A physical examination and thyroid function blood tests can establish whether you have hyperthyroidism.
This may narrow the cause down to Graves' disease.
A goiter suggests that you may have Graves' disease, but does not rule out another thyroid condition.
Ophthalmopathy or dermopathy are more common with Graves' disease than with other causes of hyperthyroidism.
The combination of goiter, ophthalmopathy, and dermopathy (or acropathy) is suggestive of Graves' disease.
A low TSH with a high free T4 and/or high T3 is typical of hyperthyroidism.
Your healthcare provider may also request that you have thyroid antibody tests.
This is usually visualized with a thyroid ultrasound.
If a thyroid eye disease is in the chronic stage, tissues can become fibrotic.
This may be sight-threatening, and surgery may relieve symptoms.
Thyroid dermopathy is treated with topical (on the surface of the skin) steroids.
Lifestyle Coping Strategies
Weight Management
Hyperthyroidism may cause weight loss and an increased appetite.
To avoid losing too much weight, you may need to increase your caloric intake.
If you have Graves' disease, you oughta maintain moderation when it comes to goitrogens.
Consuming too much of these foods can reduce your thyroid hormone levels.
Stress
Hyperthyroidism can cause anxiety, irritability, and restlessness.
If you experience these issues, be sure to talk with your healthcare provider.
Graves' disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism.
It causes a variety of symptoms and, without treatment, can lead to complications.
If you become hypothyroid, ifelong treatment with thyroid replacement medications may be necessary.
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