Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes the thyroid gland to produce too much thyroid hormone, resulting in hyperthyroidism. The thyroid gland, located in the neck, is responsible for producing hormones that regulate metabolism.
The symptoms of Graves’ disease vary and can include:
Treatment for Graves’ disease may involve:
In addition to medical treatment, lifestyle changes may also help manage Graves’ disease such as a eating healthy, more regular exercise, reduced stress, quitting smoking and reducing alcohol consumption.
It’s important to note that untreated hyperthyroidism can lead to serious conditions such as heart disease and osteoporosis.
The exact cause of Graves' disease is not fully known and it could be a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Women are more likely to develop graves diseas and it often runs in families.