Thyroid Disease Hyperthyroidism What Is Graves' Disease? By Mary Shomon Mary Shomon Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Mary Shomon is a writer and hormonal health and thyroid advocate. She is the author of "The Thyroid Diet Revolution." Learn about our editorial process Updated on August 29, 2022 Medically reviewed by Do-Eun Lee, MD Medically reviewed by Do-Eun Lee, MD LinkedIn Do-Eun Lee, MD, has been practicing medicine for more than 20 years, and specializes in diabetes, thyroid issues and general endocrinology. She currently has a private practice in Lafayette, CA. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Graves' disease is one of the causes of hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). It's caused by an autoimmune attack on the thyroid gland that leads to the overproduction of thyroid hormones. Graves' disease is diagnosed based on symptoms, a physical examination, and blood tests. Imaging tests may be needed as well. Treatment, including anti-thyroid medications, radioactive iodine therapy (RAI), and rarely, surgery, can alleviate symptoms. If you have Graves' disease, you may also need treatment for symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Illustration by Emily Roberts, Verywell Graves' Disease Symptoms Graves' disease is associated with many symptoms that are the same as symptoms of any type of hyperthyroidism. And there are also symptoms specific to Graves' disease. The symptoms of hyperthyroidism (due to any cause) include: Weight loss Heart palpitations Fatigue Muscle weakness Agitation Irritability Insomnia Increased sweating/heat intolerance Shaking hands Diarrhea or frequent bowel movements Increased appetite (sometimes decreased appetite) Thinning hair Shortness of breath Fertility problems Menstrual-cycle changes Dizziness Hypertension (high blood pressure) Graves' disease and other causes of hyperthyroidism are commonly associated with a goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland). Additional symptoms commonly occur with Graves' disease but not other types of hyperthyroidism: Graves' ophthalmopathy: Also called Graves' orbitopathy, this often causes "bulging eyes." Graves' ophthalmopathy can cause pressure around the eyes, sensitive eyes, and decreased vision. This affects about one-third of people with Graves', and it results from swelling due to the autoimmune process behind the disease. Skin lesions: Thyroid dermopathy, also known as Graves' dermopathy, can produce thickening of the skin, swelling, and severe itching. In rare cases, thyroid dermopathy can progress to a condition called acropachy, which is characterized by deformities of the fingers and toes. 1:59 Click Play to Learn All About Graves' Disease This video has been medically reviewed by Danielle Weiss, MD Complications If your Graves' disease is not adequately treated, osteoporosis (thinning of the bones) and heart disease can develop over time. Thyroid storm is a rare and dangerous complication characterized by a rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, and high fever. This complication can be fatal, but immediate medical treatment can alleviate the condition. General anesthesia for surgery is a common trigger for a thyroid storm in people with hyperthyroidism. Causes An autoimmune process is when the immune system mistakenly targets a person's own body. With Graves' disease, the body produces antibodies (infection-fighting proteins) against the thyroid gland. There are several different thyroid antibodies, each resulting in a different thyroid condition. TSH receptor antibody (TSHR-Ab) is the antibody associated with Graves' disease. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is released by the pituitary gland in the brain. It binds to TSH receptors on the thyroid gland to trigger the production of thyroid hormones. TSHR-Ab acts like TSH, signaling the thyroid gland to keep putting out TSH—even when it's not needed. What Is the Thyrotropin Receptor Antibody (TRAb) Test? Risk Factors There are several risk factors associated with Graves' disease: It is more common in people under age 40. Women are more likely to develop Grave's disease than men. There is an increased risk during pregnancy. A family history of Graves' disease is a risk factor. If you have another autoimmune condition, such as lupus, you have a higher chance of developing Grave's disease. Smoking is a strong risk factor for this condition. There has been some suggestion that stress could play a role, but the evidence is not consistent and a causative relationship remains uncertain. Diagnosis A physical examination and thyroid function blood tests can establish whether you have hyperthyroidism. This may narrow the cause down to Graves' disease. Sometimes an imaging study or a biopsy may also be needed to distinguish Grave's disease from other types of hyperthyroidism. Physical Examination Graves' disease can cause an enlarged thyroid gland, rapid heart rate, agitation, tremor, fast reflexes, and possibly moist, smooth skin. These are all signs of hyperthyroidism, but they do not confirm that you have Graves' disease. A goiter suggests that you may have Graves' disease, but does not rule out another thyroid condition. Ophthalmopathy or dermopathy are more common with Graves' disease than with other causes of hyperthyroidism. The combination of goiter, ophthalmopathy, and dermopathy (or acropathy) is suggestive of Graves' disease. Blood Tests The most common thyroid tests include TSH, free thyroxine (free T4), and triiodothyronine (T3). A low TSH with a high free T4 and/or high T3 is typical of hyperthyroidism. Your healthcare provider may also request that you have thyroid antibody tests. Thyroid Function Tests and Normal Ranges Imaging Tests Graves' disease can produce a change in the appearance of the thyroid gland that may be distinguished from a normal thyroid gland or from other thyroid conditions. This is usually visualized with a thyroid ultrasound. Treatment Thyroid Management Treatments that can help reduce your thyroid gland's overactivity include: Anti-thyroid medication: Several anti-thyroid medications are available. They work by preventing the thyroid gland from using iodine to produce thyroid hormones. The most common antithyroid medications include Tapazole (methimazole), carbimazole (which converts to methimazole), and Propylthiouracil (PTU). Methimazole, which is also called thiamazole, is also available in generic form. Radioactive iodine: Destruction of all or part of your thyroid gland using radioactive iodine (RAI) can reduce thyroid hormone production. Sometimes, the destruction of the thyroid gland results in hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). Surgery: Removal of all or part of the thyroid gland may be necessary if you cannot be treated with medication or RAI. However, this is not the typical treatment approach for Graves' disease. Removal of the thyroid gland results in hypothyroidism. Symptomatic Treatment You might also need treatment to manage the effects of hyperthyroidism. Medications such as beta-blockers reduce heart rate and lower blood pressure. Other methods for managing hypertension include exercise, decreasing salt in your diet, weight loss, and relaxation techniques. Treatment usually is not needed for mild thyroid eye disease, but for moderate to severe cases, intravenous steroids, a high dose of oral steroids, or Tepezza (teprotumumab) can relieve symptoms of double vision, swelling, and irritation. If a thyroid eye disease is in the chronic stage, tissues can become fibrotic. This may be sight-threatening, and surgery may relieve symptoms. Thyroid dermopathy is treated with topical (on the surface of the skin) steroids. You may also need medication to manage diarrhea, as well as dietary adjustments or calorie supplements to prevent weight loss. Lifestyle Coping Strategies Weight Management Hyperthyroidism may cause weight loss and an increased appetite. To avoid losing too much weight, you may need to increase your caloric intake. It is best to talk to your healthcare provider or a dietitian to help you come up with a dietary plan to maintain a healthy weight. Be sure to maintain a balanced diet and to eat foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and protein. Even though they are high in calories, avoid processed or deep-fried foods, because they contain unhealthy ingredients that can negatively affect your health. Hyperthyroidism can reduce your cholesterol, so your dietician may give you permission to eat a higher proportion of fat-containing foods than what is normally recommended in a healthy diet. Diet Some foods are known to be goitrogens, which interfere with the body's ability to use iodine. This causes hypothyroidism. If you have Graves' disease, you need to maintain moderation when it comes to goitrogens. Consuming too much of these foods can reduce your thyroid hormone levels. Stress Hyperthyroidism can cause anxiety, irritability, and restlessness. If you experience these issues, be sure to talk with your healthcare provider. Often, antithyroid medications are enough to reduce these symptoms, but sometimes, other coping mechanisms, such as meditation, biofeedback, exercise, and counseling are needed. Graves' disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. It causes a variety of symptoms and, without treatment, can lead to complications. The condition can be managed, and your doctor needs to keep special considerations in mind if you become pregnant or need to have any type of surgery. After RAI or surgical treatment for Graves' disease, you may experience long-term hypothyroidism, which produces many symptoms that are distinct from those of hyperthyroidism. If you become hypothyroid, ifelong treatment with thyroid replacement medications may be necessary. 16 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. EndocrineWeb. Hyperthyroidism Symptoms. Sugiura T, Yamanaka S, Takeuchi H, Morimoto N, Kamioka M, Matsumura Y. Autoimmunity and pulmonary hypertension in patients with Graves' disease. Heart Vessels. 2015;30(5):642–646. doi:10.1007/s00380-014-0518-3 Bahn RS. Graves' ophthalmopathy. N Engl J Med. 2010;362(8):726–738. doi:10.1056/NEJMra0905750 Kraus CN, Sodha P, Vaidyanathan P, Kirkorian AY. Thyroid dermopathy and acropachy in pediatric patients. Pediatr Dermatol. 2018 Nov;35(6):e371-e374. doi:10.1111/pde.13670 National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid). Vanderpump MP. The epidemiology of thyroid disease. Br Med Bull. 2011;99:39-51. doi:10.1093/bmb/ldr030 National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Graves' Disease. Harvard Medical School, Harvard Health Publishing. Graves' Disease. Sawicka-Gutaj N, Gutaj P, Sowiński J, et al. Influence of cigarette smoking on thyroid gland--an update. Endokrynol Pol. 2014;65(1):54–62. doi:10.5603/EP.2014.0008 Falgarone G, Heshmati HM, Cohen R, Reach G. Mechanisms in endocrinology. Role of emotional stress in the pathophysiology of Graves' disease. Eur J Endocrinol. 2012;168(1):R13–R18. Published 2012 Dec 10. doi:10.1530/EJE-12-0539 Abdel Razek AAK, Abd Allah SS, El-Said AAE. Role of Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance (MR) Imaging in Differentiation Between Graves' Disease and Painless Thyroiditis. Pol J Radiol. 2017 Sep 15;82:536-541. eCollection 2017. doi:10.12659/PJR.902416 American Thyroid Association. Hyperthyroidism (Overactive). Oza R, Garcellano M. Nonpharmacologic management of hypertension: what works? Am Fam Physician. Reddy SV, Gupta SK, Jain M. Dermopathy of Graves' disease: Clinico-pathological correlation. Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2012;16(3):460–462. doi:10.4103/2230-8210.95714 Rizos CV, Elisaf MS, Liberopoulos EN. Effects of thyroid dysfunction on lipid profile. Open Cardiovasc Med J. 2011;5:76–84. doi:10.2174/1874192401105010076 Bajaj JK, Salwan P, Salwan S. Various Possible Toxicants Involved in Thyroid Dysfunction: A Review. J Clin Diagn Res. 2016;10(1):FE01–FE3. doi:10.7860/JCDR/2016/15195.7092 Additional Reading Khong JJ, Finch S, De Silva C, et al. Risk Factors for Graves' Orbitopathy; the Australian Thyroid-Associated Orbitopathy Research (ATOR) Study. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2016 Jul;101(7):2711-20. doi:10.1210/jc.2015-4294 By Mary Shomon Mary Shomon is a writer and hormonal health and thyroid advocate. She is the author of "The Thyroid Diet Revolution." See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit