MamasHealth.com Home Autoimmune Diseases Alopecia Areata Goodpasture's Syndrome Graves' Disease Hashimoto's Disease Lupus Myasthenia Gravis Psoriasis Links Email Mama Help! my spouse was laid off Health benefits of sex Sign up for the MamasHealth Newsletter	What is Graves' Disease? Graves' disease is a disease characterized by the immune system mistakenly attacking the thyroid gland. Graves' disease is classified as an autoimmune disease. In Graves' disease, your immune system mistakenly attacks your thyroid gland. However, instead of destroying the gland, an antibody called TRAb stimulates the thyroid to make excessive amounts of thyroid hormone. The excess production of thyroid hormone causes hyperthyroidism. Graves' disease is also called diffuse thyrotoxic goiter. What is the Thyroid Gland? The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped endocrine gland located at the back of the neck below the Adam's apple. The thyroid consists of two lobes. The lobes are wraped around the windpipe. The thyroid produces thyroid hormones that regulate metabolism. Regulation of metabolism is critical in controlling mood, weight and mental and physical energy levels. Thyroid disorders caused by overproduction of thyroid hormones are called hyperthyroidism, and underproduction of these hormones is known as hypothyroidism. What Causes Graves' Disease? The exact cause of Graves' disease is unknown. Symptoms of Graves' Disease? The most common symptoms are: Protruding eyes Rapid heart rate Weight loss Sweating Anxiety Increased appetite Nervousness Restlessness Heat intolerance Increased sweating Fatigue Muscle weakness Double vision Eye irritation Breast enlargement in men Tremor Frequent bowel movements Menstrual irregularities in women Goiter Can Graves' Disease be Treated? Yes. Treatments are aimed to control the overactivity of the thyroid gland. Some common treatments are: surgery, replacement thyroid hormones, beta-blockers to treat symptoms of rapid heart rate, sweating, and anxiety.	Featured Book
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