Graves’ disease is a disorder that causes the thyroid gland to become overactive. Excessive activity of the thyroid gland is referred to as hyperthyroidism. Graves’ disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. It can occur at any age and in either sex, but it is most common in women from 20 to 40 years of age.
Enlargement of the thyroid gland usually accompanies the hyperthyroidism caused by Graves’ disease. Symptoms of the disease that are caused by hyperthyroidism include nervousness, weight loss, sweating, and an irregular or rapid heartbeat. Less common symptoms of Graves’ disease include redness and irritation of the eyes and exophthalmos (bulging of the eyeballs).
The cause of Graves’ disease is related to a disturbance in the immune system of the body. Most patients have antibodies in the bloodstream that react with thyroid tissue, stimulating it to grow and to produce extra amounts of thyroid hormone. The cause of the eye problems is unknown.
Graves’ disease is commonly treated with drugs that decrease the secretion of thyroid hormone. In some cases, a solution containing radioactive iodine is administered to destroy most of the thyroid gland. After successful treatment, most patients have no symptoms of the disorder. In patients with exophthalmos, however, some bulging of the eye may remain.
