Graves' disease is a disorder in which your immune system attacks your thyroid gland, causing it to produce too much thyroid hormone. This can cause symptoms like anxiety, irritability, weight loss, sleep issues, excessive sweating, and bulging eyes, among others. Treatment options include antithyroid medications, radioactive iodine therapy, and surgery, as well as treatments for eye complications where necessary. A healthy diet can help you feel better and manage some symptoms, and effective stress relief methods can reduce the risk of triggering an exacerbation of the disease.
Graves’ Disease in Children, Teens, and AdultsMedically Reviewed by Michael Natter, MD | August 25, 2022
FAQ
What are the common symptoms of Graves' disease?
Graves’ disease symptoms include anxiety, weight loss, rapid heartbeat, excessive sweating, sleep problems, more bowel movements, and a swollen thyroid. Many people with Graves’ disease develop Graves’ ophthalmopathy, a complication that causes bulging, gritty, painful eyes and, rarely, vision loss.
How is Graves' disease diagnosed?
Doctors diagnose Graves’ disease using blood tests to measure thyroid hormone levels and check for specific immune proteins that point to anti-thyroid immune activity. They may also request a radioactive iodine uptake and scan or a thyroid ultrasound.
What are the treatment options for Graves' disease?
Treatments include beta-blockers to manage symptoms, anti-thyroid medications to reduce thyroid hormone levels, radioactive iodine therapy that destroys thyroid-hormone-producing cells, and surgery to remove the thyroid when necessary. People must take replacement thyroid hormones for the rest of their lives after hyperthyroidism treatment.
Can Graves' disease cause eye problems?
Yes, it can cause Graves' ophthalmopathy. This can lead to bulging eyes and vision problems. Treating the underlying Grave’s disease can control thyroid activity before a doctor treats the eye complications with medications, eye drops, devices, and surgery.
Is Graves' disease hereditary?
Graves’ disease has a genetic component, as it’s more common in people whose family members have the condition. But factors like age, being female, stress, pregnancy, smoking status, and other autoimmune disorders may also contribute.
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Elise M Brett, MD, is a board-certified adult endocrinologist. She received a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan and her MD degree from the Icahn School of Medicine ...
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