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AutoimmuneICD-10: E05.0Affects about 1 in 200 people in the United States

Graves' Disease

Also known as: Diffuse Toxic Goiter, Basedow's Disease

Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes the thyroid gland to produce excessive thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism). It is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism and primarily affects women between 30 and 50. Distinctive features include goiter, eye problems (Graves' ophthalmopathy), and rarely, skin thickening on the shins.

Symptoms

Rapid or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
Unexplained weight loss despite increased appetite
Anxiety, nervousness, and irritability
Tremor of the hands or fingers
Heat intolerance and increased sweating
Frequent bowel movements or diarrhea
Bulging eyes (exophthalmos)
Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)
Difficulty sleeping
Muscle weakness

Causes

  • Thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins that overstimulate the thyroid
  • Genetic susceptibility involving HLA and immune-regulatory genes
  • Environmental triggers such as stress, infection, or smoking
  • Immune system dysfunction producing antibodies against the TSH receptor

Risk Factors

  • Female sex (5–10 times more common in women)
  • Age between 30 and 50
  • Family history of Graves' disease or autoimmune disorders
  • Smoking (especially increases risk of eye disease)
  • Other autoimmune conditions

Diagnosis

  • Blood tests showing low TSH and elevated free T4 and T3
  • TSI or TRAb antibody testing
  • Radioactive iodine uptake test showing diffusely increased uptake
  • Thyroid ultrasound to assess gland size and blood flow

Treatment

  • Anti-thyroid medications (methimazole, propylthiouracil)
  • Radioactive iodine therapy to shrink or destroy the overactive thyroid
  • Beta-blockers to control heart rate and tremor
  • Thyroidectomy for specific cases
  • Thyroid hormone replacement after radioiodine or surgery
  • Selenium supplementation and specialized care for eye disease

Prevention

  • There is no known prevention for Graves' disease
  • Quit smoking to reduce risk of eye complications
  • Manage stress through relaxation techniques

When to See a Doctor

  • You experience unexplained weight loss with a rapid heartbeat
  • Your eyes are becoming increasingly prominent or irritated
  • You have symptoms of hyperthyroidism
  • A family member has Graves' disease and you develop symptoms

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Conditions

Hyperthyroidism

Endocrine

Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

Autoimmune

Hypothyroidism

Endocrine

Lupus

Autoimmune

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