Graves Disease - Understanding the Basics
Graves Disease is the main cause of hyperthyroidism and is
caused by a defect in the immune system. Autoimmune disease may
be understood as a process by which the body sees some part of
itself as being foreign and reacts to it much the same way that
it would with any bacteria or virus. In the case of Graves'
disease, the body sees the thyroid gland as the foreign object
and produces antibodies that attack the thyroid gland.
This causes the thyroid gland to produce a greater than normal
amount of the hormone called thyroxine. When you have excess
thyroxine in your body, your metabolic rate can increase by 60
percent to 100 percent because thyroxine controls the metabolism
of the cells. A higher metabolism can lead to a number of health
problems, such as an irregular heartbeat or anxiety.
Signs and symptoms of Graves' disease and hyperthyroidism may
include: Sensitivity to heat Weight loss, despite normal food
intake Brittle hair Light menstrual periods Frequent bowel
movements Restlessness