Graves’ disease is a type of autoimmune problem that causes the thyroid gland to produce too much thyroid hormone, which is called hyperthyroidism. Graves’ disease is often the underlying cause of hyperthyroidism.
In Graves’ disease, your immune system creates antibodies that cause the thyroid to grow and make more thyroid hormone than your body needs. These antibodies are called thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSIs). The TSIs bind to thyroid cell receptors, which are normally “docking stations” for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH—the hormone responsible for telling the thyroid to produce hormones). The TSIs then trick the thyroid into growing and producing too much thyroid hormone, leading to hyperthyroidism.
The early symptoms of Graves’ disease may be confused with other conditions and make diagnosis and challenge. Some of the more common symptoms include:
- Weight loss, despite increased appetite
- Anxiety, restlessness, tremors, irritability, difficulty sleeping
- Heat intolerance, sweating
- Chest pain, palpitations
- Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing
- Increased stool frequency (with or without diarrhea)
- Irregular menstrual periods
- Muscle weakness
- Difficulty controlling diabetes
- Goiter
- Prominent, bulging eyes
- Vision problems
- Finger or hand tremors