It is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. It causes the thyroid gland to become overactive and produce excess thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormones are important hormones that control the body's metabolism. Therefore, Graves disease Hyperthyroidism, characterized by an acceleration of metabolism, develops.
Graves' Disease Symptoms
It is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, causing it to produce excess hormones. This condition is known as hyperthyroidism. It manifests itself in various symptoms in the body.
One of the most common symptoms is weight loss. Patients may lose weight rapidly despite their normal appetite. This occurs due to the acceleration of metabolism.
Other important symptoms include palpitations and a rapid or irregular heartbeat. Patients often notice a racing heartbeat, sometimes accompanied by shortness of breath. Heat intolerance, sweating, and increased body temperature are also common. People may feel extremely hot, even at normal temperatures, and may sweat frequently.
Graves' disease can also affect the eyes. This condition is called Graves' ophthalmopathy. It manifests itself with symptoms such as swelling, redness and outward pushing of the eyes. Dryness, irritation and double vision are also common symptoms. In severe cases, vision loss can even occur.
Symptoms such as muscle weakness, tremors and irritability are also common. Patients may often feel restless, anxious and irritable. Sleep disturbances, weakness and fatigue are other common symptoms of the disease. Graves' disease can also present with symptoms such as hair loss and thinning of the skin.
Causes of Graves' Disease
Graves' disease is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland. This causes the thyroid gland to produce too much hormone. The exact cause of the disease is unknown, but it is thought to be triggered by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
First, genetic predisposition plays an important role. Individuals with a family history of Graves' disease or other autoimmune diseases are at higher risk of developing this disease. Certain genetic mutations can cause the immune system to malfunction. This can trigger an attack on the thyroid gland.
Environmental factors are also among the causes of Graves' disease. Factors such as stress, infections and smoking in particular accelerate the onset of the disease. It is thought that intense stress triggers such autoimmune reactions by weakening the immune system.
Hormonal changes may also play a role in the development of Graves' disease. Women are more prone to the disease than men, and this is thought to be due to hormonal differences. The risk of developing the disease increases especially during periods of hormonal change, such as pregnancy, the postpartum period, or menopause.
Finally, iodine consumption may also play a role in the development of the disease. High levels of iodine intake can trigger Graves' disease by overactive thyroid glands. Therefore, avoiding excessive iodine intake is important in preventing the disease.
Diagnosis of Graves' Disease
Diagnosis of Graves' disease is made through a physical exam and laboratory tests. First, the doctor evaluates the patient's symptoms, such as rapid heartbeat, weight loss, puffy eyes, and trembling. A neck exam is performed to check the size and tenderness of the thyroid gland. Then, the thyroid hormone levels and TSH levels in the blood are tested to measure thyroid function. People with Graves' disease have low TSH levels and high thyroid hormones.
Graves' Disease Treatment
Treatment for Graves' disease aims to control the excessive production of hormones by the thyroid gland. It aims to relieve the patient's symptoms. Treatment options vary depending on the patient's age, health status, and severity of the disease. The most common treatments include antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine therapy, and surgery.
Anti-thyroid medications, helps slow down the production of hormones by the thyroid gland. These drugs are used especially in mild to moderate cases of Graves' disease. They reduce symptoms and normalize thyroid function. Medications such as methimazole and propylthiouracil are generally preferred. However, these drugs may have to be used for a long time and side effects should be considered.
Radioactive iodine therapy, is used to shrink the thyroid gland and reduce hormone production. Radioactive iodine taken orally goes to the thyroid gland and destroys the cells there. This method can permanently regulate thyroid functions. However, hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) may develop after this treatment. In this case, lifelong thyroid hormone supplements may be required.
Surgical intervention involves the removal of all or part of the thyroid gland. It is preferred for patients who do not respond to drug treatment, have a large thyroid gland, or are at risk of cancer. Hypothyroidism may also develop after surgery and hormone supplements may be required.
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