do i have graves' disease?

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left untreated, or not properly treated, people with graves' disease are at risk for heart problems and osteoporosis.

by dave yasvinski

published aug 10, 2022

last updated feb 20, 2025

3 minute read

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3 minute read

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what are the symptoms of graves' disease?

a common symptom of graves’ disease is bulging or inflamed eyes. getty

graves’ disease, named after robert graves, am irish doctor who first described the condition, is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, resulting in an overproduction of thyroid hormones. the overproduction of hormones is caused by the thyroid stimulating antibody, a protein that is regulated in healthy adults but causes the thyroid gland to become overactive and release more hormones into the blood in graves’ patients, according to the thyroid foundation of canada.

as thyroid hormones are responsible for regulating body temperature, heart rate and metabolism, an overabundance can affect a host of bodily functions as it essentially speeds up many metabolic processes, including pulse rate, bowel function and sweat glands. the condition also impacts the nervous system and can lead to psychiatric symptoms such as memory deficits and depressive anxiety disorder.

although graves’ disease is not usually life-threatening, it can lead to a series of complications that may decrease normal life expectancy, particularly if untreated.

what are the symptoms of graves’ disease?

according to the mayo clinic, around 30 per cent of people with graves’ disease experience graves’ ophthalmology — an accumulation of certain carbohydrates behind the eyes that produces symptoms such as bulging eyes, a gritty feeling or pressure in the eyes, puffy eyelids, inflamed eyes, light sensitivity, double vision or vision loss. other symptoms include:

feeling nervous, moody, tired or irritable
weight loss despite eating normally
heat sensitivity, including skin that is warm to the touch, and an increase in perspiration
frequent bowel movements and/or diarrhea
a rapid or irregular heartbeat
hand tremors
difficulty breathing
a swollen thyroid (also known as goitre)
hair loss
menstrual changes
difficulty sleeping
a reddening or thickening of the skin, usually on the shins or tops of the feet (a rarer symptom also known as graves’ dermopathy)

how is graves’ disease diagnosed?

because various genes have been linked to graves’ disease, doctors will typically inquire about family history while looking for other signs of the disorder. a series of tests may be ordered to facilitate diagnosis, including:

blood tests (to measure the level of thyroid producing hormone)
radioactive iodine uptake (the body uses iodine to produce thyroid hormones so doctors can measure uptake to determine if graves’ disease is the source of hyperthyroidism)
ultrasound (soundwaves can reveal if a thyroid gland has become enlarged)

what is the treatment for graves’ disease?

graves’ disease is currently a chronic condition and addressing its symptoms involves preventing the overproduction of thyroid hormones. this is typically done by:

radioactive iodine. taken by mouth, this treatment is absorbed by overactive thyroid cells and essentially leads to their destruction over time. as this causes the thyroid gland to shrink, further treatment is usually required to restore normal hormone levels
anti-thyroid medications. these drugs interfere with the thyroid gland’s ability to use iodine to produce hormones
beta blockers. while not preventing the production of thyroid hormones, beta blockers limit the effect they have on the body
surgery. when surgery is the treatment, some or all of the thyroid gland may be removed

if untreated, graves’ disease puts patients at risk for heart problems, osteoporosis, and thyroid storm — when your thyroid gland releases a large amount of thyroid hormone in a short amount of time. this is an emergency and can be life-threatening. graves’ ophthalmopathy left untreated, or not treated properly can cause vision loss and damage to the optic nerve.

how is graves’ disease prevented?

as it is still unknown exactly what causes graves’ disease, there is currently no way to prevent it. if you are at high risk for the disorder, it’s a good idea to quit smoking, lower your stress levels and live as healthy a life as possible.

how many people have graves’ disease?

graves’ disease is thought to affect around two to three per cent of the general population, according to the national organization for rare diseases. in canada, the disease is seen in about one in 100 people and accounts for at least 90 per cent of all cases of hyperthyroidism, reports the thyroid foundation of canada. the disorder usually appears in middle age and is five to ten times more common in women than men.

resources and support for graves’ disease

for more information on graves’ disease, including testimonials and support, visit thyroid patients canada, a non-profit dedicated to helping patients cope with the disorder.

dave yasvinski is a toronto-based writer.

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