Introduction to Graves’ Disease
Erin Moriarty is getting candid about her health — and urging fans to listen to their bodies. The Boys star, 30, revealed on Instagram Thursday that she was diagnosed with Graves’ disease last month after initially chalking up her symptoms to “stress and fatigue.” “Within 24 hours of beginning treatment, I felt the light coming back on. It’s been increasing ever since,” she wrote. “If yours is dimming, even slightly, go get checked.” Erin Moriarty was diagnosed with Graves’ disease in May. Deadline via Getty Images
The autoimmune disorder affects about 1 in 100 Americans and can cause everything from anxiety and weight loss to bulging eyes and heart issues. Here’s everything you need to know, including how to spot it and what to do next.
What is Graves’ Disease?
It’s chronic autoimmune disorder that hijacks your thyroid gland, sending it into overdrive and flooding your body with more hormones than it needs, according to the National Institutes of Health. Thyroid hormones control how your body burns energy, impacting nearly every organ. When there’s too much of them, it turbo-charges your metabolism and can trigger a wide range of symptoms. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of your neck. Science RF – stock.adobe.com
Symptoms of Graves’ Disease
Early signs often include heat intolerance, increased appetite, difficulty sleeping, fatigue and nervousness, anxiety or irritability, according to the Mayo Clinic. As the disease progresses, you might experience unintentional weight loss, heart palpitations, trembling hands, frequent bowel movements and shortness of breath. Graves’ can also disrupt menstrual cycles, cause erectile dysfunction and reduce libido. Moriarty first assumed her symptoms were caused by stress and fatigue. Erin Moriarty / Instagram
Around 1 in 3 people with Graves’ have eye problems known as Graves’ ophthalmopathy, which can cause:
- Bulging or puffy eyes
- Blurred or double vision
- Gritty, irritated eyes
- Eye pain or pressure
- Sensitivity to light
In rare cases, patients can develop thickened, darkened skin — usually on the shins or tops of the feet — that looks and feels like orange peel. This comes from a buildup of protein in the skin. It’s often mild and painless.
Causes of Graves’ Disease
Scientists aren’t completely sure. Graves’ disease strikes when your immune system goes rogue, overproducing an antibody that prompts your thyroid to flood your body with too many hormones, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Excess thyroid hormones can lead to increased heart rate, irregular rhythms and heart failure. JustLife – stock.adobe.com
Experts say genetics play a major role, with one study estimating that genes account for 79% of the risk. The rest likely comes from environmental triggers like stress, hormonal changes or infections.
Who’s at Risk for Graves’ Disease?
Graves’ disease is relatively common, affecting about 1% of people in the US. But it disproportionately affects women, who are five times more likely to get it than men, according to Yale Medicine. Your risk increases if you have a family history of Graves’ or other autoimmune conditions like vitiligo, type 1 diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis. Low levels of selenium and vitamin D, along with smoking, may also increase your chances. Smoking is a significant risk factor for Graves’ disease. Quitting can help improve patient outcomes. Adobe Stock
Treatment of Graves’ Disease
In the US, treatment usually starts with medications like methimazole or propylthiouracil, which work to reduce the production of thyroid hormones, according to ColumbiaDoctors. Most patients start feeling better soon after, but it takes 12 to 18 months to see if the disease goes into remission — meaning the thyroid calms down and antibody levels drop.
Up to half of patients achieve remission, but it’s not a guaranteed cure. Graves’ can flare up again later. Graves’ disease is often associated with weight loss despite increased appetite. Prostock-studio – stock.adobe.com
“For some people, Graves’ disease has a clear beginning and end. For others, it’s a chronic condition that can be controlled but not cured,” said Dr. Hyesoo Lowe, medical director of the Columbia Thyroid Center.
If a patient doesn’t go into remission, doctors may recommend radioiodine therapy, which gradually destroys overactive thyroid cells, or surgery to remove the gland entirely. While this can cause hypothyroidism, or too little thyroid hormone, replacement pills are available to keep things balanced.
Complications of Untreated Graves’ Disease
Ignoring the autoimmune disorder can lead to serious complications. It can cause atrial fibrillation, a dangerous irregular heartbeat that increases the risk of heart failure and stroke. It also weakens bones, raising the chance of fractures.
There’s a higher risk of thyroid cancer, too. In rare cases, untreated Graves’ can trigger a life-threatening thyroid storm — a sudden surge of thyroid hormones. Pregnant women with untreated Graves’ risk preeclampsia, miscarriage, premature labor and low birth weight for their babies.
Conclusion
Graves’ disease is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland, causing a range of symptoms from anxiety and weight loss to bulging eyes and heart issues. While the exact cause is unknown, genetics and environmental triggers are thought to play a role. Treatment usually involves medication, and in some cases, radioiodine therapy or surgery. It’s essential to seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen over time.
FAQs
- Q: What is Graves’ disease?
A: Graves’ disease is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland, causing it to produce too many hormones. - Q: What are the symptoms of Graves’ disease?
A: Symptoms include heat intolerance, increased appetite, difficulty sleeping, fatigue, nervousness, anxiety, and irritability, among others. - Q: How is Graves’ disease treated?
A: Treatment usually involves medication to reduce thyroid hormone production, and in some cases, radioiodine therapy or surgery. - Q: Can Graves’ disease be cured?
A: Up to half of patients achieve remission, but it’s not a guaranteed cure, and the disease can flare up again later. - Q: What are the complications of untreated Graves’ disease?
A: Untreated Graves’ disease can lead to serious complications, including atrial fibrillation, weakened bones, thyroid cancer, and life-threatening thyroid storms.
