Also referred to as: Diffuse thyrotoxic goiter
What is it? Graves’ disease is the most common cause of overactive thyroid gland (
hyperthyroidism). It is caused by an
autoantibody (called thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin, TSI) that acts like thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and that causes the thyroid gland to produce excess thyroid hormone. Those most likely to have the disease are women over 20 years of age. According to the National Women’s Health Information Center, Graves’ disease affects about 2% of women at some time in their lives.
Graves’ disease may cause symptoms and signs such as weight loss, increased appetite, hand tremors, heat sensitivity, sweating, nervousness, and in some patients, protruding eyes. Patients with the disease often have an increased heart rate and an enlarged but not painful thyroid gland (goiter).
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