What is Graves’ Disease?

    Last Updated: October 25, 2023

    Graves’ disease, also called autoimmune hyperthyroidism, is an autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid gland by causing it to produce excessive levels of hormones. It is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism in Western countries, responsible for 4 out of every 5 cases.[1] Graves’ disease affects 1 in 200 people and occurs with 5–10 times higher frequency in women compared to men.[2] People with Graves’ disease are also at increased risk for developing other autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, celiac disease, and type 1 diabetes.[3]

    References

    1. ^Akram S, Elfenbein DM, Chen H, Schneider DF, Sippel RSAssessing American Thyroid Association Guidelines for Total Thyroidectomy in Graves' Disease.J Surg Res.(2020-Jan)
    2. ^Tunbridge WM, Evered DC, Hall R, Appleton D, Brewis M, Clark F, Evans JG, Young E, Bird T, Smith PAThe spectrum of thyroid disease in a community: the Whickham survey.Clin Endocrinol (Oxf).(1977-Dec)
    3. ^Boelaert K, Newby PR, Simmonds MJ, Holder RL, Carr-Smith JD, Heward JM, Manji N, Allahabadia A, Armitage M, Chatterjee KV, Lazarus JH, Pearce SH, Vaidya B, Gough SC, Franklyn JAPrevalence and relative risk of other autoimmune diseases in subjects with autoimmune thyroid disease.Am J Med.(2010-Feb)