Graves disease is an autoimmune disorder that is more common in middle-aged women than in any other group of people. The symptoms of Graves disease are caused by hyperthyroidism or overactive thyroid gland, which produces more thyroid hormones than the body can handle. It is not known how the thyroid gland becomes overactive, however. So the exact cause of Graves disease cannot be pinpointed.

When hyperthyroidism is present, as in Graves disease, several symptoms occur. Graves disease is usually diagnosed by testing the blood to evaluate levels of thyroid hormones, but is also diagnosed by the appearance of one of the following three symptoms: bulging eyes, goiter, which results in significant swelling of the neck, or swelling over the shins. Those with Graves disease will have at least one of these symptoms and may have several.

In Graves disease, other symptoms may be present. The heart rate may be fast, or those affected may feel palpitations. People may feel exceptionally nervous or shaky, and may have an increased appetite. Weight loss and sleep difficulties are both common as the metabolism speeds up in response to the extra amounts of thyroid hormones.

Frequently using medications to reduce thyroid hormone may control Graves disease. When medications alone fail, physicians consider removing the thyroid. This may involve an initial surgery, called a thyroidectomy, and then radiation to kill off the remaining thyroid cells. Radiation is usually avoided in women in their childbearing years who wish to have more children, as this may have an adverse affect on fertility.

Treatment, however, is unavoidable even if women are in their childbearing years, since the condition can be passed from pregnant women to their unborn children. Reducing thyroid production is essential to eliminating complications of the disease. Usually pregnant women take medication to reduce their thyroid hormones count.

When Graves disease has caused bulging eyes, this condition can be treated cosmetically by opening up the sinuses to allow the eyes to drop back into their natural position. Even after excess thyroid hormones are eliminated, protuberant eyes may still be present. Eye care is especially important for those with Graves disease, since the pressure on the eyes can cause double vision. As well, those with Graves disease may have problems with extreme dry eye, and are more prone to eye injuries from dust.

Graves disease has one extremely serious complication to which all affected must be alerted. On some occasions, the thyroid levels become so high that they result in what is called a thyroid storm. A thyroid storm is marked by sudden and total confusion, high fever, and can result in coma without treatment. If a person with Graves Disease feels their symptoms quickly worsen, this is a medical emergency, and the affected should call emergency services immediately.

In many cases those with Graves disease find their disease well controlled by surgery, medications or both. Research to further understand the cause may help improve treatment in the future.