Graves Disease and Hyperthyroidism WikiGraves' disease is autoimmune hyperthyroidism. Its ominous sounding name comes from the Irish physician, Robert James Graves, who first described a case of goiter with exophthalmos in 1835.
Patients with Graves' disease produce thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) an autoantibody which overstimulates the thyroid gland. This overstimulation makes the patient clinically hyperthyroid as evidenced by labs tests which typically reveal low thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and high thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). This overstimulation causes the thyroid gland to enlarge which is called a goiter.
Graves' disease affects women at a ratio of 8:1 and occurs most often in the third to fifth decade of life. Hallmarks of the condition are bulging eyes (exophthalmos), heat intolerance, increased energy, difficulty sleeping, diarrhea and anxiety, although not all patients will exhibit bulging eyes. Symptoms can wax and wane over time.
For an illustration of exophthalmos and goiter click here.
OTHER RESOURCES
Graves Disease Content: Symptoms | Diagnosis | Lab Tests | Treatment Options | Glossary | Acronyms | Self Help | Research and Clinical Trials | Recommended Reading | Members Favorite Sites | International Thyroid Support Information | Graves' Patient Stories
Wiki Help Pages: Wiki Guide | Help:Editing | Help:Contents