Write An Essay On Graves Disease

Graves’ disease is classified as an autoimmune disorder. It causes the thyroid to create too much thyroid hormone in the body. It is a condition known as hyperthyroidism and it is its most common form. In autoimmune disorders, like Graves’ disease, the immune system begins to fight against healthy tissues in your body. Your immune system usually produces proteins, known as antibodies, in order to fight against foreign invaders like viruses and bacteria. These antibodies are produced specifically to target the invader. In Graves ’ disease, your immune system makes the mistake to producing antibodies, called thyroid stimulating immunoglobulins, that target your own healthy thyroid cells.
Graves’ disease is mostly caused by a genetic susceptibility to autoimmune factors. There are also many other factors that increase the risk of the disease. Your gender can have a lot to do with it, unfortunately. Women are more likely to develop the disease seven to eight times more than men. Also age can be a factor; most people are …show more content…
As the thyroid gland enlarges, the patient becomes nervous, has an intolerance to heat, loses weight , sweats, and may have diarrhea, tremors and palpitations. People with this disease may also have also find difficulty in concentrating and may have mood swings and emotional instability. The cardiovascular system is also affected in the form of tachycardia, increases cardiac output, cardiomegaly and possible atrial fibrillation. Some people may experience dyspnea and an array of musculoskeletal symptoms ranging from weakness and fatigue to localized or generalized paralysis. Also, a person may become seriously ill if the hyperthyroidism escalates into a thyroid storm. Other symptoms include a change in menstrual cycles, erectile dysfunction or reduced libido, frequent bowel movements, bulging eyes or Graves’ ophthalmopathy, and thick, red skin usually on the shins or tops of