Graves' disease: autoimmune hyperthyroidism
Goiter, exophthalmos, palpitations
Dr. Léa Dumas
Endocrinologist
In simple terms
Antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine, surgery: three options against Graves' disease.
Stimulating anti-TSH receptor antibodies
Graves' disease is the leading cause of hyperthyroidism. Affects mainly women aged 20-40.
Symptoms
Weight loss with preserved appetite, palpitations, tremor, heat intolerance, sweating, anxiety, diffuse goiter, exophthalmos (50% of cases), pretibial myxedema (rare).
Diagnosis
Decreased TSH, elevated free T4/T3, anti-TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb). Thyroid ultrasound. Scintigraphy if doubt.
Three treatment options
- Antithyroid drugs (carbimazole, methimazole): 12-18 months, 40-50% remission
- Radioactive iodine: simple, effective, often leads to hypothyroidism
- Surgery (total thyroidectomy): large goiter, severe ophthalmopathy, pregnancy
Graves' ophthalmopathy
Tobacco worsens it dramatically. Teprotumumab: new effective biotherapy. Corticosteroids, orbital decompression in severe forms.
The words explained
Medical terms used above, in everyday language.
- Symptom
- A sign you can feel or see that something is wrong, like pain, tiredness or a rash.
- Diagnosis
- The moment a doctor identifies which illness is causing your symptoms.
- Antibody
- A protein your body makes to recognise and neutralise a specific germ.
- Anxiety
- Ongoing worry or fear that is strong enough to affect daily life.
- Remission
- A period when the disease is quiet and symptoms fade or disappear.
When should you see a doctor?
- Your symptoms last more than a few weeks or keep coming back.
- They get worse quickly, or stop you doing everyday things.
- You notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding — seek urgent care.
- You already take medication and want to change anything about it.
This article explains general health information. It does not replace advice from your own doctor.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Graves' disease: autoimmune hyperthyroidism?
- Antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine, surgery: three options against Graves' disease.
- What are the main symptoms or signs of Graves' disease: autoimmune hyperthyroidism?
- Common signs vary from person to person. The article above lists the symptoms to watch for, how they progress, and when they need medical attention.
- When should you see a doctor for Graves' disease: autoimmune hyperthyroidism?
- See a doctor if symptoms last more than a few weeks, get worse quickly, stop you doing everyday things, or if you notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding.
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