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Ear Nose and Throat, Endocrine System
Graves’ Disease
Jun
Graves’s disease is an autoimmune disorder that leads to over activity of the thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism).
Graves’s disease is an autoimmune disorder that leads to over activity of the thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism).
Causes
• The thyroid gland is an important organ of the endocrine system. It is located in the front of the neck just below the voice box. This gland releases the hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which control body metabolism. Controlling metabolism is critical for regulating mood, weight, and mental and physical energy levels.
• If the body makes too much thyroid hormone, the condition is called hyperthyroidism. (An underactive thyroid leads to hypothyroidism.)
• Graves’s disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. It is caused by an abnormal immune system response that causes the thyroid gland to produce too much thyroid hormone. Graves’s disease is most common in women over age 20. However, the disorder may occur at any age and may affect men as well.
Symptoms
• Anxiety
• Breast enlargement in men (possible)
• Difficulty concentrating
• Double vision
• Eyeballs that stick out (exophthalmia)
• Eye irritation and tearing
• Fatigue
• Frequent bowel movements
• Goiter (possible)
• Heat intolerance
• Increased appetite
• Increased sweating
• Insomnia
• Menstrual irregularities in women
• Muscle weakness
• Nervousness
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat (palpitations or arrhythmia)
• Restlessness and difficulty sleeping
• Shortness of breath with exertion
• Tremor
• Weight loss (rarely, weight gain)
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