From the Guidelines
Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes the thyroid gland to produce too much thyroid hormone, and it can be effectively managed with medications, radioactive iodine therapy, or surgery. People develop Graves' disease when their immune system produces antibodies called thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins that attach to thyroid cells and cause them to overproduce thyroid hormones 1. The exact cause of this autoimmune response is unknown, but several factors increase the risk of developing Graves' disease, including:
- Having a family history of the condition, as there appears to be a genetic component
- Being female, as women are more likely to develop it than men
- Experiencing significant stress or trauma
- Having other autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or type 1 diabetes
- Smoking cigarettes
- Pregnancy or recent childbirth Symptoms typically include anxiety, irritability, weight loss despite increased appetite, tremors, heat sensitivity, bulging eyes (called exophthalmos), and an enlarged thyroid gland (goiter) 1. According to the most recent study, thyroiditis is a self-limiting process and leads to permanent hypothyroidism after an average of 1 month after the thyrotoxic phase and 2 months from initiation of immunotherapy, and conservative management during the thyrotoxic phase of thyroiditis is sufficient 1. Treatment is generally recommended for patients with a TSH level that is undetectable or less than 0.1 mIU/L, particularly those with overt Graves disease or nodular thyroid disease 1.
From the Research
Causes of Graves' Disease
- Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder with a genetic component, often occurring in young adults 2, 3
- The exact etiology of Graves' disease remains to be completely understood, but it is believed to result from a complex interaction between genetic susceptibility and environmental factors 3
- The disease is characterized by the presence of circulating autoantibodies that bind to and stimulate the thyroid hormone receptor (TSHR), resulting in hyperthyroidism and goiter 3
Risk Factors
- Genetic susceptibility is a significant risk factor for developing Graves' disease 2, 3
- Environmental factors may also play a role in the development of the disease, although the exact nature of these factors is not well understood 3
- A family history of autoimmune disorders may increase the risk of developing Graves' disease 2