Graves' Disease
- Vesna
- Feb 28
- 2 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
What is Graves’ Disease?
Graves’ Disease, also known as Basedow’s Disease, is a disease that causes the thyroid to produce too much thyroid hormone, causing hyperthyroidism. It is also called toxic diffuse goiter, because it causes goiters which are noncancerous enlargements of the thyroid gland, and presents as lumps or swelling in
the throat. It can also present as inflammation and bulging in the eyes.
What are the most common symptoms?
The most common symptoms are weight loss/increased appetite, a rapid heartbeat, nervousness, irritability or other hormonal changes. A common change is shaky hands and muscle weakness. Since this is a hormonal disease, symptoms that are connected to hyperthyroidism include sweating excessively, frequent bowel movements, and enlarged glands (goiters).
Why are women more at risk?
Women are 5 to 10 times more likely than men to get this disease, especially women aged 30 to 50 years old. This is due to a more reactive immune system that is prone to autoimmunity, genetic factors, and fluctuations with estrogen and progesterone.
Why is it more common at an older age?
Women are especially at risk in the period after childbirth when the hormonal fluctuations are going back to normal because the body is the most vulnerable to autoimmune diseases. One reason for this is because fetal cells from male infants can stay in the mother’s blood and tissues for decades, which can trigger an autoimmune response at any time.
What are some possible tests?
The goal of tests for Graves’ disease is to check for low TSH and high T3/T4 hormones, usually through blood tests, alongside specific antibody tests (TRAb/TSI) to confirm autoimmunity. In some severe cases, a radioactive iodine uptake scan or an ultrasound can examine thyroid gland activity, size, and condition.
What are possible treatment plans?
Treatment for Graves’ disease is tailored to a person’s symptoms and overall health. The first part is prescribing anti-thyroid medication to lower the production of beta-blockers and hormones, as well as to control symptoms like shaking and a fast heartbeat. Another option is radioactive iodine therapy, which destroys overactive thyroid gland cells. A final solution is removing a part or all of the thyroid. To manage the condition, healthy lifestyle habits and regular checkups are critical and also can help prevent Graves’ disease.
What are some complications that come with the treatment plans?
As is customary for any medication, many Graves’ treatments cause side effects and complications. Radioactive iodine therapy and surgery may lead to hypothyroidism, which means the thyroid becomes underactive. This can lead to a lifelong requirement for thyroid medication. Some other side effects of the medications include rash, liver problems, or low white blood cell counts. Any surgery, especially thyroid removal, carries risks like infection, bleeding, or damage to the vocal cords and other nearby glands. In very rare cases, radioactive iodine therapy can even worsen Graves’ disease.
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