Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder which can cause an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). Here we look at what Graves’ disease is, the symptoms it causes, typical treatment and also Graves’ disease life expectancy.

What is Graves’ disease?

Graves’ disease is a rare autoimmune disorder of the thyroid. It affects around 1 in 100 or 200 people (depending on the country) and affects more women than men. It is more common in people over 30. Those with a family history of Graves’ disease, or some other autoimmune conditions (including type I diabetes) are more likely to develop the disease.

With Graves’ disease, the thyroid – which is a butterfly-shaped gland that sits at the front of the neck – becomes overactive. This is problematic because the hormones released by the thyroid need to be carefully balanced to control the body’s energy use (metabolism). This affects every area of your body.

Being an autoimmune disease, this means that your immune system effectively gets confused. Your immune system is vital for your health. However, with Graves’ disease, the immune system attacks the thyroid gland causing it to produce too much of the hormones it makes. This in turn ‘speeds up’ all of the functions in your body.

Graves’ disease can cause serious problems, even affecting life expectancy without management, so it should be taken seriously and treated.

What is the Graves’ disease life expectancy?

It’s widely accepted that, with treatment, Graves’ disease should not adversely affect life expectancy. Life expectancy with Graves’ disease is shortened when the disease is not well-treated or managed. This is because untreated Graves’ disease can cause serious health problems such as stroke and heart problems caused by tachycardia.

Graves’ disease symptoms

Symptoms of Graves’ disease are not always constant or consistent. They can vary over time. Typically symptoms mirror those of other forms of hyperthyroidism. In addition, Graves’ disease can notably affect your eyes and skin.

Graves’ disease symptoms of hyperthyroidism

• Weight loss
• Increased appetite
• Tachycardia (rapid heart rate) and arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat)
• Shakes and tremors
• Muscle weakness
• Anxiety and nervousness
• Irritability
• Insomnia and fatigue
• Excessive sweating
• Heat intolerance
• Increased and frequent bowel movements
• Goiter (large swelling of the neck caused by an enlarged thyroid gland).
• Menstrual cycle disruption
• Lowered libido

Graves’ disease eye problems

It is common to develop a particular disease called Graves’ ophthalmopathy (GO) with Graves’ disease. This happens in around 1 in 3 sufferers of the disease. It is a result of the immune system attacking the soft tissues of the eye area.

Symptoms of GO include:

• Prominent bulging eyes
• Irritation of the eye
• Puffiness
• Sensitivity to light
• Pressure in the eye, sometimes accompanied by pain
• Vision disturbance such as blurry or double vision

The symptoms of GO can develop before the hyperthyroidism symptoms or occur concurrently. It’s rare for GO to develop once you’ve begun treatment for Graves’ disease.

Graves’ disease skin problems

In some rare cases, Graves’ disease can cause Graves’ dermopathy or pretibial myxedema. This is a condition causing the skin, often on the shins, to become thicker, red and rough. It’s usually mild and most commonly painless.

What causes Graves’ disease?

Autoimmune diseases like Graves’ disease still need much more research to fully understand. At the moment, the cause of Graves’ disease is unclear but it is believed to be a combination of factors, including your genes and an external trigger, like a virus.

When you get Graves’ disease, your immune system incorrectly creates thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin TSI) which is an antibody. This antibody then attaches to your thyroid cells. This mimics a hormone called thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) which is made in your pituitary gland. This causes your thyroid to make too much thyroid hormone.

How is Graves’ disease diagnosed?

GO has a classic ‘look’ that can signal a doctor to look further. Your medical history will be explored, and discussion of your symptoms. You may have blood tests to look at thyroid hormone levels. These blood tests can also pick up the TSI antibody.

Following this you may have other tests including a scan of your thyroid and a radioactive iodine uptake test. Other tests may also be used.

Treatment for Graves’ disease

There are various different ways of managing and treating hyperthyroidism, which is often the predominant aim of treatment for Graves’ disease. There are different medications available. Alternative options include radioiodine therapy and surgery to remove the thyroid gland.

·Beta blockers

Beta blockers, such as propranolol, are used to cause blood vessels to relax and to block the action of things on nerve cells. They can be fast-working and help alleviate hyperthyroid symptoms, such as a rapid heart rate. They don’t, however, do anything to stop thyroid hormone production.

·Antithyroid medication

These medications are often used to treat Graves’ disease. Common types include propylthiouracil and methimazole. These medications inhibit thyroid hormone production and can alleviate symptoms. They aren’t without side effects. It’s important to note that antithyroid medications don’t actually cure Graves’ disease. They are also not fast acting.

·Radioiodine therapy

With radioiodine therapy, the medication gradually destroys thyroid cells causing it to produce less thyroid hormone. It can make the symptoms of GO worse, but it shouldn’t affect other tissues in the body. It will likely lead to hypothyroidism and this will need treatment, but can be more easily managed with medications such as levothyroxine. Hypothyroidism is also associated with fewer long term complications, helping to bring Graves’ disease life expectancy in line with standard life expectancy.

·Surgery

Surgery is a less common treatment and will also lead to hypothyroidism. Surgery may be performed to remove some or all of the thyroid gland.

Treatment for GO is handled separately. Here, the onus is on alleviating symptoms. Lubricating eye drops can soothe irritated, gritty dry eyes. A doctor may also recommend steroids. Rarely, surgery may be used.

Get help for Graves’ disease

International Pharmacy provides general information only and isn’t a substitute for medical advice. If you are experiencing the symptoms of Graves’ disease speak to a doctor for diagnosis and a treatment plan. A prompt diagnosis and carefully managed treatment is important so that your life expectancy is unaffected by having Graves’ disease.