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Condition

Graves' disease

An autoimmune condition in which the immune system over-stimulates the thyroid, causing hyperthyroidism.

Graves' disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism in the UK. It is an autoimmune condition: the immune system produces antibodies - called TRAb - that attach to the thyroid and switch it into permanently high gear, causing it to produce too much hormone.

Common symptoms reflect the effects of excess thyroid hormone: rapid or irregular heartbeat, anxiety, heat intolerance, weight loss, tremor, increased sweating, difficulty sleeping, and changes in bowel habit. Some people also develop thyroid eye disease (Graves' orbitopathy), where the immune process extends to the tissues behind the eyes.

Graves' disease is diagnosed through blood tests - high free T4 and/or free T3, suppressed TSH - and detection of TRAb antibodies. It affects women around seven to ten times more often than men and often appears between the ages of 30 and 50, though it can occur at any age.

Treatment options include antithyroid drugs (carbimazole or propylthiouracil), radioactive iodine (RAI), or thyroid surgery. The right approach depends on many individual factors and is a decision to make with your specialist team - not something general information can determine.

Common questions

Can Graves' disease be cured?
Some people achieve long-term remission after a course of antithyroid drugs, but relapse is common. Definitive treatment with RAI or surgery addresses the overactive thyroid itself. The choice of treatment is individual and needs specialist discussion.
Does Graves' disease always cause eye problems?
No - thyroid eye disease affects roughly 25 - 50% of people with Graves', though only a minority develop significant symptoms. Smoking greatly increases the risk. Speak to your specialist team about any eye symptoms.
Can Graves' disease come back after treatment?
Yes. After a course of antithyroid drugs, about half of people relapse within two years. RAI or surgery is more definitive, though these typically result in hypothyroidism requiring lifelong levothyroxine.

Read more

Antithyroid medication basics

Related terms

Hyperthyroidism TRAb (TSH receptor antibodies) Thyroid eye disease Carbimazole Propylthiouracil (PTU) Radioactive iodine (RAI) Thyroidectomy Levothyroxine

ThyroidTools is an independent, patient-led project - not a charity, not a medical service, and not affiliated with any healthcare organisation or clinical body. We're not your doctor. We're the friend who helps you get more from seeing one. Nothing here is medical advice; always speak to a qualified clinician about your own situation.