What Is Graves' Disease?
Graves' disease is
the leading cause of hyperthyroidism.
In hyperthyroidism, an autoimmune disease, the immune system literally
attacks the thyroid gland causing it to grow and to produce excess thyroid
hormone. The thyroid secretes hormones that control your body's metabolism.
Metabolism is vital in managing such things as your mood, weight, and
mental and physical energy levels. The extra thyroid hormone produced
can lead to all kinds of complications in overall health.
Signs and
Symptoms:
Shortened
attention span.
Hair
changes,
Fatigue,
Irritability,
Nervousness,
Weight loss,
Frequent bowel movements.
There are
many more signs and symptoms.
It occurs in less than
half of 1% of the population; It is more often seen in women over the age of 20 than men -- up to
eight times more prevalent; It occurs mostly in middle age,
but can be found in children and adolescents.
