Graves’ disease is an autoimmune thyroid disease that leads to a generalised overactivity of the entire thyroid gland.1 It is an “autoimmune”, or “self-attacking self” disease. This means that proteins (antibodies) produced by our own white blood cells overstimulate the thyroid gland to produce too much thyroid hormone. The antibody which causes this is called TSH receptor antibody, or TRAb. Graves’ disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism in areas of sufficient iodine intake. About 25–50% of Graves’ disease patients show clinically obvious Graves’ ophthalmopathy or thyroid eye disease (inflammation and bulging of the eyes).2 Only 8% of these patients will have severe thyroid eye disease.3
Women are eight times more likely to develop Graves’ disease than men. This disorder commonly affects women between 40‒60 years.4
Smoking increases the risk of developing Graves’ disease by two-fold.4 Smokers who have Graves’ disease are also more prone to severe thyroid eye disease.3
This disease can go unnoticed for a long time, but you may experience some of the following symptoms due to high thyroid hormone levels:1,5
Symptoms of thyroid eye disease include:3
Symptoms alone are not a reliable proof of this disease. A blood test known as. thyroid function test to check the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid hormones in your blood is needed to make a valid diagnosis. If you have low levels of TSH in the blood and high levels of thyroid hormones, you have hyperthyroidism. Measurement of TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb) confirms the diagnosis of Graves’ disease.6
The goals of treatment for Graves' disease are to stop the production of thyroid hormones and to block the effect of the hormones on the body. The treatment options include anti thyroid medications, radioactive iodine, or thyroid surgery.7 Discuss with your doctor about which treatment option is best suited for your condition.
