EMERGENCY: 1800 330 0000 I CALL: NOIDA : +91-9582833333, GREATER NOIDA : +91-8800447777, NOIDA EXT: +91-8800110086 , JHANSI: +91 8800550084, FARIDABAD: +91-8588833310

ConditionandTreatments

Overview

Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that leads to overproduction of thyroid hormones, a condition known as hyperthyroidism. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, causing it to become enlarged and produce excess hormones. This condition can accelerate the body's metabolism, leading to a variety of symptoms and complications.

Symptoms and Causes

Graves' disease presents with symptoms like a rapid heartbeat, increased appetite, weight loss, shakiness, nervousness, and more. It is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, leading to hyperthyroidism.

What Are the Symptoms of Graves' Disease?

The symptoms of Graves' disease typically develop gradually over several weeks or months. The condition causes hyperthyroidism, which accelerates certain body functions. You may experience some or all of the following symptoms:

  • Rapid heartbeat (palpitations)
  • Shakiness or nervousness
  • Weight loss
  • Preserved Appetite
  • Diarrhea or more frequent bowel movements
  • Thin, warm, and moist skin
  • Heat intolerance and excessive sweating
  • Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
  • Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)
  • Hair loss and changes in hair texture (brittle hair)
  • Menstrual irregularities
  • Muscle weakness

If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is essential to consult your healthcare provider.

Graves' disease can also lead to eye-related symptoms, including:

  • Gritty or irritated eyes
  • Swelling around the eyes (puffy eyes)
  • Bulging eyes
  • Light sensitivity
  • Eye pain or pressure
  • Blurred or double vision

These eye issues are referred to as Graves' ophthalmopathy or thyroid eye disease. About one-third of individuals with Graves' disease develop this condition. If you experience these symptoms, it is important to see an endocrinologist and ophthalmologist.

In rare cases, Graves' disease can cause a lumpy, reddish thickening of the skin on the shins, known as pretibial myxedema (Graves' dermopathy). While usually mild and painless, it can be painful for some individuals.

What Causes Graves' Disease?

The exact cause of autoimmune diseases like Graves' disease remains unclear. The immune system mistakenly produces an antibody called thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI), which attaches to healthy thyroid cells and prompts the thyroid to overproduce hormones.

The trigger for this autoimmune response may involve a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors such as:

  • Stress
  • Viral infections
  • Pregnancy

These factors can contribute to the onset of Graves' disease.

Types

Graves' disease is the most common form of hyperthyroidism, but there are other types of thyroid disorders that can present with similar symptoms. These include:

  • Toxic Nodular Goiter: Hyperthyroidism due to thyroid nodules.
  • Subacute Thyroiditis: Inflammation of the thyroid gland that can cause temporary hyperthyroidism.

Diagnosis and Tests

How is Graves’ Disease Diagnosed?

To diagnose Graves’ disease, your healthcare provider will review your symptoms, medical history, and family history of thyroid issues, followed by a physical examination. They may also order the following tests to confirm the diagnosis:

  • Thyroid Blood Tests: These tests measure the levels of thyroid hormone and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in your blood. A low TSH level suggests that your thyroid is producing too much hormone, leading to reduced TSH production by the pituitary gland.
  • Thyroid Antibody Blood Tests: These tests help differentiate autoimmune thyroid conditions by identifying specific antibodies, such as thyroid receptor antibodies (TRAb),(TBII), which are associated with Graves’ disease.
  • Thyroid Uptake and Scan: In this procedure, you ingest a small amount of radioactive iodine, and your provider measures how much iodine your thyroid absorbs. High absorption levels may indicate Graves’ disease.
  • Doppler Blood Flow Measurement (Doppler Ultrasound): This test uses sound waves to assess increased blood flow in the thyroid, which is common in Graves’ disease. It may be used as an alternative to radioactive iodine uptake, especially for pregnant or breastfeeding patients.

Management and Treatment

How is Graves’ Disease Treated?

Graves’ disease is a chronic condition, but treatment can effectively manage thyroid hormone levels. In some cases, the disease may even enter remission.

Treatment options include:

  • Beta-blockers: Medications like propranolol and metoprolol are often the first treatment for Graves’ disease. They help regulate your heart rate and protect your heart while other treatments take effect, though they don’t stop thyroid hormone production.
  • Antithyroid Medications: Drugs such as methimazole (Tapazole®) and propylthiouracil reduce the thyroid's hormone production. These medications may cause side effects like skin rashes, a lowered white blood cell count, and, in rare cases, liver disease.
  • Radioiodine Therapy: This treatment involves taking a single dose of radioactive iodine in pill or liquid form. The radiation gradually destroys thyroid cells over two to three months, normalizing hormone levels as the thyroid shrinks. However, this therapy is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals. Radioiodine therapy often leads to hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), which requires lifelong thyroid hormone replacement, but is generally easier to manage than hyperthyroidism.
  • Surgery: A thyroidectomy, which involves removing all or part of the thyroid gland, is another treatment option. Post-surgery, some individuals may develop hypothyroidism and will need to take thyroid replacement medications like levothyroxine for life.

Each treatment option—antithyroid medication, radioiodine therapy, and surgery—has its own benefits and risks. There is no universal agreement on the best treatment, so it's essential to discuss these options thoroughly with your healthcare provider to determine the best approach for you.

Lifestyle and Dietary Changes

  • Diet: A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals to support overall health.
  • Regular Monitoring: Frequent check-ups with a healthcare provider to monitor thyroid function and adjust treatments as necessary.

FAQ

  • What causes Graves' disease?

    Graves' disease is caused by an autoimmune reaction where the body's immune system attacks the thyroid gland, leading to excess hormone production. Genetic and environmental factors may also play a role.

  • How is Graves' disease different from other thyroid disorders?

    Graves' disease specifically involves overproduction of thyroid hormones due to autoimmune activity. Other thyroid disorders, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, involve underproduction of hormones due to different mechanisms.

  • Can Graves' disease be cured?

    While there is no definitive cure, Graves' disease can be managed effectively with medications, radioactive iodine therapy, or surgery. With appropriate treatment, symptoms can be controlled and quality of life improved.

  • What are the long-term effects of untreated Graves' disease?

    Untreated Graves' disease can lead to serious complications, including heart problems, osteoporosis, and eye issues. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent these complications.

  • Can Graves' disease affect pregnancy?

    Graves' disease can impact pregnancy and fetal development. Pregnant women with Graves' disease should work closely with their healthcare provider to manage their condition and ensure a healthy pregnancy.

Other Conditions & Treatments

Get free second opinion from

India’s leading specialists.