What is Graves Disease? It's Probable Signs And How To Treat The Immune Disorder; Few Renowned Celebrities Suffers From The Same Disease

Graves' disease is an immune system disorder that results in the excessive production of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism). There are a number of disorders resulting in hyperthyroidism but Graves' disease is a common cause.

Graves' disease is an immune system disorder that results in the excessive production of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism). There are a number of disorders resulting in hyperthyroidism but Graves' disease is a common cause.

Affecting around 1 in 200 people, it is most prevalent in women under the age of 40, however, it's also spotted in men.

What Is Graves' Disease?

Previously Graves' disease was known as "exophthalmic goiter". Irish doctor Robert Graves was the first to describe the condition in 1835.

It is an autoimmune disease affecting the thyroid that results in an enlarged thyroid. The disease develops in about 0.5% of males while it's seen in 3% females. Women are 7.5 times more prone to the condition than men.

Talk show host Wendy Williams took some time break from 'The Wendy Williams Show' due to her battle with Graves' disease in February 2018.

Here's an interview with Dr. Oz as Wendy talks about the disease:

Previously, she spoke about her struggle and eventually suffering from thinning hair as a result. Some other celebrities including rapper Missy Elliot, former President George H.W. Bush and Olympic track and field athlete Gail Devers also suffered from the same disease.

Fast Facts About Graves' Disease

• It is the most common type of autoimmune disease in the United States (about 50 to 80% of cases).
• It affects an estimated 2-3% of the world's population.
• It is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism.
• It can be fatal if left untreated.

Signs and Symptoms

The excessive production of thyroid hormone has a number of effects in the body. Still, some common signs spotted in an individual are:

• Nervousness
• Hand tremors
• Weight loss
• Irregularity in the menstrual cycle
• Anxiety and Irritability
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Erectile dysfunction
• Insomnia
• Hair loss

Causes

The exact cause of the disease is still a mystery but it is believed to involve a combination of environmental and genetic factors.

In Graves' disease, the body's immune system releases abnormal antibodies that mimic TSH. The exact reason behind the production of these aberrant antibodies is still unclear but heredity seems to play a key role in it.

Women are more prone to the disease. Smokers suffering from the disease are susceptible to eye problems.

Diagnosis And Treatment

The diagnosis of Graves' disease includes two steps:

1. Physical Examination: 

In course of the physical examination, your doctor examines the condition of your eyes if it is irritated or protruding.

Further, the doctor checks if the thyroid gland is enlarged.

2. Blood Sample:

The blood test is done to determine the levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), the hormone that stimulates the thyroid gland. People suffering from Graves' disease have lower than normal levels of TSH and high level of thyroid hormones.

Some other tests include ultrasound, imaging tests, and radioactive iodine uptake. 

Treatment of Graves' disease is basically focused to inhibit the production of thyroid hormones and obstruct the effect of hormones in the body.

Diet Plan

As per the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), Graves' disease can cause a person sensitive to iodine. Intake of foods rich in iodine or taking iodine supplements may make the condition worse.

The NIDDK also suggests people consult a doctor before taking a multivitamin or using cough medicine containing iodine. Treatment options generally include radioactive iodine therapy. anti-thyroid medications, and Beta blockers.

A surgical procedure to remove all or part of the thyroid can be an option to treat Graves' disease. After surgery, it is very important to supply normal amounts of thyroid hormones.

Agents that work as antagonists at TSH receptors are currently under investigation as a possible treatment for the disease.