Because thyroid hormones help to regulate multiple body systems, Graves’ disease causes a range of symptoms throughout the body.
The following symptoms are common in people with Graves’ disease:[1]
- Nervousness
- Moodiness or irritability
- Anxiety
- Rapid heartbeat
- Tremors
- Increased bowel movement frequency
- Intolerance for hot conditions and increased sweating
- Sleep difficulties
- Weight loss in spite of increased appetite
- Enlargement of the thyroid (goiter), which may interfere with breathing or swallowing
Up to half of people with Graves’ disease may have eye symptoms such as redness, dryness, irritation, and swelling. Women with Graves’ disease may also experience irregularities with their menstrual cycles.
A small number of people with Graves’ disease may develop a skin disorder called Graves’ dermopathy,[2] which causes localized thickening of the skin, typically in the legs and feet.[3]