Stressful life events or illness may act as a trigger for the onset of Graves' disease among people who have genes that increase their risk. People with other disorders of the immune system, such as type 1 diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, have an increased risk. Graves' disease usually develops in people before age 40. Women are much more likely to develop Graves' disease than are men. Because a family history of Graves' disease is a known risk factor, there is likely a gene or genes that can make a person more susceptible to the disorder. Risk factorsĪlthough anyone can develop Graves' disease, many factors can increase the risk of disease, including: Graves' ophthalmopathy can also occur even if there's no hyperthyroidism. But signs and symptoms of ophthalmopathy may appear years before or after the onset of hyperthyroidism. Graves' ophthalmopathy often appears at the same time as hyperthyroidism or several months later. It appears that the same antibody that can cause thyroid dysfunction may also have an "attraction" to tissues surrounding the eyes. Graves' ophthalmopathy results from a buildup of certain carbohydrates in the muscles and tissues behind the eyes - the cause of which also isn't known. That means that TRAb overrides the normal regulation of the thyroid, causing an overproduction of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism). The antibody associated with Graves' disease - thyrotropin receptor antibody (TRAb) - acts like the regulatory pituitary hormone. Normally, thyroid function is regulated by a hormone released by a tiny gland at the base of the brain (pituitary gland). In Graves' disease - for reasons that aren't well understood - the immune system produces an antibody to one part of the cells in the hormone-producing gland in the neck (thyroid gland). The immune system normally produces antibodies designed to target a specific virus, bacterium or other foreign substance. Graves' disease is caused by a malfunction in the body's disease-fighting immune system. It often occurs on the shins and on the tops of the feet. This results from a buildup of protein in the skin. Rarely, people who have Graves' disease develop a reddish thickening of the skin that resembles the texture of an orange peel (Graves' dermopathy). Graves' ophthalmopathy signs and symptoms include bulging eyes, redness and retracting eyelids. Widespread enlargement of the thyroid can expand the gland well beyond its typical size (left) and cause a noticeable bulge in the neck (right). Seek emergency care if you're experiencing heart-related signs and symptoms, such as a rapid or irregular heartbeat, or if you develop vision loss. See your doctor if you experience any potential problems related to Graves' disease to get a prompt and accurate diagnosis. When to see a doctorĪ number of medical conditions can cause the signs and symptoms associated with Graves' disease. Signs and symptoms may include:Īn uncommon manifestation of Graves' disease, called Graves' dermopathy, is the reddening and thickening of the skin, most often on your shins or the tops of your feet. In Graves' ophthalmopathy, inflammation and other immune system events affect muscles and other tissues around your eyes. Rapid or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)Ībout 30% of people with Graves' disease show some signs and symptoms of Graves' ophthalmopathy.Thick, red skin usually on the shins or tops of the feet (Graves' dermopathy).Enlargement of the thyroid gland (goiter).Weight loss, despite normal eating habits.Heat sensitivity and an increase in perspiration or warm, moist skin. Common signs and symptoms of Graves' disease include:
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