{"id":660815,"date":"2023-06-26T16:04:08","date_gmt":"2023-06-26T20:04:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hauteliving.com\/hautebeauty\/?p=660815&"},"modified":"2023-07-11T16:05:53","modified_gmt":"2023-07-11T20:05:53","slug":"graves-disease-doesnt-have-to-be-a-grave-disease","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hauteliving.com\/hautebeauty\/660815\/graves-disease-doesnt-have-to-be-a-grave-disease\/","title":{"rendered":"Graves’ Disease Doesn\u2019t Have To Be A Grave Disease: Symptoms, Causes, And Treatment Options"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"Photo Credit: Shutterstock <\/span>Have you ever heard of Graves' disease, an immune system disorder that can have your thyroid hormones going on a production spree (hyperthyroidism)? Graves' Disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism, so it\u2019s important to understand. Now, before you succumb to its gloomy implications, Haute MD expert Dr. Deborah Houk<\/strong> <\/a>is here to uncover the intricacies of the disorder while offering valuable insights to help you navigate its complexities. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

W<\/span>hat is the cause of Graves' disease?<\/span><\/h3>\n

The root cause of Graves' disease lies in a malfunction of the body\u2019s immune system. Normally, your immune system produces antibodies to fight off bacteria and viruses (foreign invaders), but in Graves' disease, the immune system produces antibodies that in addition to targeting bacteria, viruses, and foreign subjects, the antibodies also unintentionally target your own thyroid gland. When the antibodies lock onto the thyroid, it sends a signal for the thyroid to produce excessive amounts of thyroid hormone, which has varying effects on the body.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Due to this, people with Graves' disease experience hyperthyroidism, but why? Typically, your thyroid activity is regulated by your pituitary gland. In the case of Graves' disease, the antibody associated with the disorder activates the thyroid itself, without the need for the usual pituitary hormone that regulates it. As a result, the normal regulation of the thyroid is overrun by the Graves' disease antibodies, causing hyperthyroidism.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Who is affected by Graves' disease the most?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Graves' disease has the potential to affect anyone, but it is more commonly observed in women (7 to 8 times more common in women than men) and those older than 30. If you have a family history of Graves\u2019 disease, Hashimoto Thyroiditis, or other autoimmune disorders like type 1 diabetes, vitiligo, or rheumatoid arthritis, you\u2019re at higher risk to develop it. In addition, if you use nicotine products, you\u2019re at a greater risk to develop the disease.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Common Signs and Symptoms<\/span><\/h3>\n

Graves' disease is evident through a variety of signs and symptoms. These symptoms affect different aspects of your physical and emotional well-being, including but not limited to:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n