The thyroid gland is one of the primary glands of the body. It releases the thyroid hormone that helps in managing the metabolism of the body. However, if this hormone is released abnormally, it can significantly affect several body functions.

A condition where the abnormal release of the thyroid hormone leads to issues related to the heart, bones and muscles is known as Graves’s Disease. The proper release of thyroid hormone ensures a healthy heart rate and regulation of the body temperature. Let’s read ahead and find out more about Graves’s Disease.

Graves’s disease is an auto-immune disease where the immune system of the body attacks the thyroid gland’s healthy tissues. The attack on the thyroid gland tissue leads to over-release of the thyroid hormone. This condition is also known as hyperthyroidism, which occurs when the thyroid becomes hyperactive.

More about the thyroid gland!

The thyroid gland is at the front of the neck under the skin. Its main function is to release the thyroid hormone that has the following functions!

Regulate the metabolism speed.
Maintain body temperature and heart rate.

Who Can be Affected by Graves' Disease?

Primarily, more females are affected by the Graves' Disease than males. The ratio at which females and males are affected by Graves' disease is 4:1.

It is commonly seen in people of the age group 30-50 years. Further, there are some health conditions that can amplify the chances of Graves' disease, such as

Celiac disease
Lupus
Type-1 diabetes
Rheumatoid arthritis
Vitiligo

Besides, if a person smokes or has a family history of thyroid disease, the issue can escalate.

The Effect of Graves' Disease on the Human Body!

The Effect of Graves' Disease on the Human Body

It is well-established that the hormone secreted by the thyroid glands helps in the effective management of the human body's metabolism. If the thyroid hormone levels increase, there can be adverse effects on the body.

The release of the thyroid hormone is highly dependent on another chemical in the body, namely the thyroid-stimulating hormone or TSH. This hormone is released by the pituitary glands in the brain.

However, in Graves' disease, due to the immune system malfunction, abnormal antibodies that behave like TSH are released in the body, thus leading to the abnormal release of the thyroid hormone.

In the overall picture, this leads to high body metabolism, affecting heart rate, sweating, trembling, and weight loss. The release of thyroid hormones leads to serious heart conditions and weak bones.

What Symptoms Indicate Graves' Disease?

There are several thyroid disorder symptoms of Graves’ disease that a patient may experience individually or all together. However, the presence of this issue will be visible after a certain time, maybe after weeks or months.

Diarrhoea or more than required bowel movements.
Less heat tolerance
Excessive sweating
Muscle weakness
Abnormal weight loss
Menstrual changes
Insomnia
Goiter or enlarged thyroid gland
Hair loss
Palpitations
Increase in appetite

If the patient witnesses one or multiple of these symptoms at one time, it is best to go to a medical professional for help.

Graves’ Disease and The Eye

In some cases, Graves’ disease may also affect the eyes. The immune system may attack the tissues around the eyes. This issue will be visible to the patient via several symptoms. Here are some of them!

Sensitivity to light
Puffy eyes
Gritty and irritated eyes
Bulging eyes
Blurred vision
Feeling pressure on the eyes

Healthcare professionals call this issue Graves' ophthalmopathy or thyroid eye disease.

Note: Graves’ disease can also happen if the patient is not having thyroid issues.

How to Manage Graves’ Disease?

Graves' disease management begins with the diagnosis process. There are several ways to diagnose Graves’ disease successfully. Here are some of them!

Blood tests: The T4 blood test indicates the amount of thyroid in the blood. It also indicates the amount of TSH in the patient’s blood.
Antibody blood tests: There are two types of antibodies linked with Graves’ disease, namely thyroid-stimulating antibodies and thyrotropin-binding inhibitory immunoglobulins. Based on the presence of these two in the blood, autoimmune thyroid conditions can be identified.
Iodine uptake test: In this test, the patient must consume radioactive iodine, and the doctor analyses how much iodine the thyroid absorbs. If the iodine absorption is high, it is highly likely to be Graves’ disease.
Doppler ultrasound: If the iodine uptake test is not fit for the patient, for example, pregnant women, then the Doppler ultrasound is a viable option. In this test, the sound waves are sent to detect increased blood flow in a patient’s thyroid, which is due to Graves’ disease.

How is Graves’ Disease Treated?

Graves’ disease, or hyperthyroidism, is a chronic condition that can temporarily go away by keeping the thyroid hormone in control. Here are some Hyperthyroidism treatments!

Antithyroid medications: These medications block the production of the thyroid hormone. Yes, there will be issues like skin rash and low white blood cell count in some percentage of people. The medications preferred are methimazole and propylthiouracil.
Radio-iodine therapy: The process begins with taking a radioactive iodine pill. Further, radiation therapy gradually eliminates the thyroid gland cells, due to which the thyroid glands shrink, and the hormones come to a normal level.
Beta-blockers: These medications do not focus on the thyroid glands but on maintaining heart health. They keep a tab on maintaining the heart rate till the hyperthyroidism treatments take effect.
Surgery: In this procedure, a part or the entire thyroid gland is removed by the healthcare professional.

Conclusion

Graves’ disease is a chronic condition and will not go away permanently. Therefore, it is necessary to take the required medications or therapy on a timely basis to avoid any further health issues. In case of major or minor symptoms, make sure to pay the doctor a visit.

Frequently Asked Questions About Graves' Disease!

Q. Can Graves’ disease be prevented?
A. No, it is not possible to prevent Graves’ disease as it is an autoimmune condition.

Q. What are the possible complications of Graves’ disease?
A. There are several complications that may arise from Graves’ disease, including heart problems, thyroid, osteoporosis, etc.

Q. What deficiency causes Graves' disease?
A. The primary element whose deficiency may cause Graves’ disease is Vitamin D.

Q. Which vitamin is good for the thyroid?
A. Some minerals and vitamins that promote thyroid health are Vitamin A, B, D, B12, Selenium, Iodine, and Zinc.

Q. Which fruit is best for the thyroid?
A. Fruits that are best for the thyroid are citrus fruits, apples, pears, plums, etc.

References

https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/endocrine-diseases/graves-disease
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/graves-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20356240