Graves' disease

Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder in which your immune system affects healthy thyroid tissue for unclear reasons. It is the most prevalent cause of hyperthyroidism, a disorder in which the thyroid gland produces an excessive amount of thyroid hormone. An overactive thyroid creates issues with the heart, bones, and muscles.

Symptoms

Hyperthyroidism may sometimes looks like other health problems which can make it hard to diagnose. It can cause many symptoms, including:

  • Increased appetite.
  • Increased bowel motions
  • Thin, warm, and moist skin
  • Insensitivity to heat and profuse sweating
  • Insomnia can make it difficult to sleep
  • An enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)
  • Hair loss and texture change (brittle)
  • Menstrual changes
  • Muscular weakness
  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Tachycardia or Fast heartbeat
  • Arrhythmias or irregular heartbeat
  • Palpitations
  • Nervousness, anxiety, and irritability

Who is affected by Graves' disease?

  • Graves' disease commonly affects women than men. It most commonly affects those aged 30 to 50, but it can also affect children and the elderly
  • If you have a family history of thyroid disease or smoke cigarettes, you are more likely to develop Graves' disease
  • Having another autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, vitiligo, pernicious anaemia, increases your risk of developing Graves' disease
  • People with Type 1 diabetes and Coeliac Disease

What are the complications of hyperthyroidism?

Heart Problems

  • A heart rhythm disorder called atrial fibrillation
  • Congestive heart failure, a condition in which the heart can't circulate enough blood to meet the body's needs

Osteoporosis / Brittle bones

Untreated hyperthyroidism can lead to weak, brittle bones. This condition is called osteoporosis. The strength of bones depends, in part, on the amount of calcium and other minerals in them. Too much thyroid hormone makes it hard for the body to get calcium into bones.

Vision problems

Some people with hyperthyroidism may develop called thyroid eye disease (TED). It's more common in people who smoke. This disorder affects the muscles and other tissues around the eyes. Symptoms include:

  • Bulging eyes
  • Gritty sensation in the eyes
  • Pressure or pain in the eyes
  • Puffy or retracted eyelids
  • Reddened or inflamed eyes
  • Light sensitivity
  • Double vision
  • Eye problems that go untreated may cause vision loss

Discoloured, swollen skin

In rare cases, people with Graves' disease develop Graves' dermopathy. This causes the skin to change colour and swell, often on the shins and feet.

Thyroid storm

Thyroid storm, also known as thyroid crisis or thyrotoxic crisis, is the result of an excessive release of thyroid hormone by your thyroid gland in a brief period of time. It is an uncommon side effect of both hyperthyroidism and Graves' disease that can occur from trauma, infection, or abruptly stopping antithyroid medication. Thyroid storm is a potentially fatal medical emergency.

You will need to visit your doctor frequently and regularly to ensure that your thyroid levels are under control and that your treatment plan is effective because Graves' disease is a chronic condition.