Diseases
graves disease
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Graves' disease is an autoimmune condition where your immune system mistakenly attacks your thyroid which causes it to become overactive. The cause of Graves' disease is unknown, but it mostly affects young or middle-aged women and often runs in families.
Symptoms
- anxiety and irritability
- a fine tremor of the hands or fingers
- heat sensitivity and an increase in perspiration or warm, moist skin
- weight loss, despite normal eating habits
- enlargement of the thyroid gland (goiter), and bulging eyes
Causes
- graves' disease is caused by a malfunction in the body's disease-fighting immune system. it's unknown why this happens.
Risk factors
- family history.
- sex. women are much more likely to develop graves' disease than are men.
- age. graves' disease usually develops in people before age 40.
Diagnosis
- blood tests.
- imaging tests.
- ultrasound.
- radioactive iodine uptake.
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is graves disease?
Graves' disease is an autoimmune condition where your immune system mistakenly attacks your thyroid which causes it to become overactive. The cause of Graves' disease is unknown, but it mostly affects young or middle-aged women and often runs in families.
What are the symptoms of graves disease?
anxiety and irritability, a fine tremor of the hands or fingers, heat sensitivity and an increase in perspiration or warm, moist skin, weight loss, despite normal eating habits, enlargement of the thyroid gland (goiter), and bulging eyes
What causes graves disease?
graves' disease is caused by a malfunction in the body's disease-fighting immune system. it's unknown why this happens.
Which medicines are used for graves disease?
methimazole, propylthiouracil
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