Graves' Disease

Graves disease was first discovered by Caleb Hillier Parry 1755-1822, a doctor at British general hospital in 1786. His story was published after his death in 1825. However, Graves disease was named after an Irish doctor who explained several cases in the London Medical Journal in 1835. Graves disease is also known as Parry's disease. In Europe, this disease is called Basedow disease. It is the most common cause of thyrotoxicosis (diseases caused by excessive activity of the thyroid gland).

The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is autoimmune disease called Graves disease. Although both males and females may develop Grave's disease, according to the data of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, women 20 to 30 years old suffer far more than men. A serious illness leads to an overall hyperactivity of the entire thyroid gland, but the exact cause of this condition is not clear. If the thyroid abnormally hypertrophies, goiter will develop. However, the presence of goiter does not necessarily imply thyroid dysfunction. Thyroid can occur in people with hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, but it may develop when thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) rises. This is a response to defects in the normal hormone synthesis of the thyroid gland. Goiter should not be confused with thyroid nodules

Graves' Disease If the thyroid gland excessively produces thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism), goiter may occur. In Grave's disease, antibodies produced by the immune system may accidentally attack the thyroid gland, which may produce excess thyroxine. This overstimulation causes thyroid swelling

Graves' Disease The immune system produces antibodies that stimulate the thyroid gland and releases excessive thyroid hormone in the blood (hyperthyroidism). Symptoms of Grave's disease include swelling of the eyes and loss of weight, tension, irritability, elevated heart rate, weak and brittle hair. The use of drugs or surgery to destroy or remove the thyroid gland usually requires treatment of Grave's disease. Hashimoto's thyroiditis The antibody produced by the immune system attacks the thyroid gland and slowly destroys cells that produce thyroid hormone. Low levels of thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism) usually lasts from a few months to several years. Symptoms include fatigue, constipation, weight gain, depression, dry skin, susceptibility to cold. When you take daily orally synthesized thyroid hormone medicine, you can restore normal body function