Graves’ Disease: Everything You Need to Know About This Autoimmune Hormonal Condition

Graves’ disease is an immune system disorder that results in overproduction of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism). Thyroid hormones affect many systems and organs in the body, so the signs and symptoms of Graves’ disease can be very varied.

Since the disease manifests throughout the body, targeting multiple areas, the treatment is very well established. Its main objectives are to reduce the amount of thyroid hormones the body produces and to alleviate symptoms. In this article, you will be able to discover details about this immune pathology, as well as the signs to watch out for. In addition, you will also learn what you can do to keep specific symptoms under control.

About Basedow-Graves’ Disease – Introductory Information

Among the main characteristics of Basedow-Graves’ disease is the overproduction of thyroid hormones. Therefore, Graves’ syndrome is considered an immune-type disease. An autoimmune disorder occurs when the immune system erroneously attacks healthy tissues.

What can we do to manage the symptoms of Basedow’s disease?

Given the severity of this condition, we must seek the most suitable solutions that are useful in case of specific symptoms. Aloe Vera Gel 3L ECO, cold-pressed, which has a 100% natural composition. The product contains 99.7% pure aloe vera gel with pulp, being sugar-free, water-free, or coloring-free. Thus, vitamins, minerals, nutrients, and antioxidants can help manage the symptoms of Basedow’s disease. For example, since this condition is common among women, this natural and organic gel can help maintain a regular menstrual cycle. Therefore, opt for this dietary supplement, which preserves all the health benefits of aloe, in case you are experiencing symptoms of Basedow-Graves’ disease.

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Basedow-Graves: common causes of this disease

Although Basedow’s disease was discovered a long time ago, its causes are not yet fully understood. However, it is known that the immune system produces antibodies intended to fight a specific virus, pathogen, or bacterium. In Graves’ disease, the immune system produces an antibody against a part of the thyroid gland cells.

What does Graves’ disease mean and what exactly happens in the body?

Normally, thyroid function is regulated by a hormone released by the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. The antibody associated with Graves’ disease, thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibody (TRAb), acts like the regulatory pituitary hormone. This means that TRAb overcomes normal thyroid regulation, causing overproduction of thyroid hormones. The condition it induces is often referred to as hyperthyroidism.

How does ophthalmopathy develop in Basedow’s disease?

Graves’ ophthalmopathy results from the accumulation of certain carbohydrates in the muscles and tissues behind the eyes. As previously stated, the cause of Basedow-Graves’ disease is unknown. It appears that the same antibodies that cause thyroid dysfunction can have an “attraction” to the tissues around the eyes.

Graves’ ophthalmopathy most often occurs concurrently with hyperthyroidism or a few months later. However, the signs and symptoms of ophthalmopathy can appear years before or after the onset of hyperthyroidism. Moreover, the ocular localization of Graves’ disease can progress even without an active hormonal substrate.

What risk factors determine the onset of Basedow’s disease symptoms?

Now that you understand the causes of Basedow-Graves’ disease, we need to discuss some details about risk factors. Although anyone can develop Graves’ disease, many factors can increase the risk of the disease, including:

• Family history – is a known risk factor. There’s likely a gene that can make a person more susceptible to this disorder.
• Sex – it is known that women are much more predisposed to developing Graves’ disease than men.
• Age – Graves’ disease usually develops in people before the age of 40.
• Other autoimmune disorders – people with other immune system disorders, such as type 1 diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, are at increased risk.
• Emotional or physical stress – stressful life events or illnesses can act as a trigger. This is especially true for people who already have the gene that increases their risk for the mentioned autoimmune disease.
• Pregnancy – pregnancy or recent childbirth can increase the risk of the disease, especially among women who have genes that increase their risk.
• Smoking – this harmful habit that can affect the immune system increases the risk of Graves’ disease. Smokers who have the disease also have an increased risk of developing Graves’ ophthalmopathy.

These are the main risk factors that can trigger the manifestations of Basedow’s disease. It is important to remember that their list can be much more extensive, as not everything has been studied in detail yet.

Basedow’s disease and its symptoms: what are they?

As previously stated, this autoimmune disease mainly occurs before the age of 40. However, there can also be cases where older people experience this condition.

What symptoms do younger people experience?

Thus, younger people may experience the following symptoms in Basedow-Graves’ disease:

• Anxiety or nervousness, as well as sleep problems;
• Breast enlargement in men, also known as “gynecomastia”;
• Concentration problems;
• Fatigue or even exhaustion;
• Increased bowel motility (accompanied by increased peristalsis);
• Hair loss (alopecia);
• Heat intolerance and increased sweating;
• Increased appetite despite weight loss;
• Irregular menstruation in women;
• Muscle weakness in the hips and shoulders;
• Mood changes, including irritability and anger;
• Palpitations (feeling of strong or unusual heartbeats);
• Rapid or irregular heartbeats;
• Shortness of breath with activity;
• Tremor (shaking of the hands, for example).

Many patients diagnosed with Graves’ disease have eye problems, such as:

• The eyeballs may appear bulging and may be painful;
• Eyes may feel irritated, itchy, or tear frequently;
• Double vision may be present.
• Decreased vision and corneal damage can occur in severe cases.

How does Graves’ disease manifest in the elderly?

Basedow’s disease can also occur in older people. In these cases, the clinical picture may be marked by the following symptoms:

• Rapid or irregular heartbeats (in the form of palpitations);
• Chest pain;
• Memory loss or decreased concentration;
• Weakness and fatigue.

What happens if the disease remains untreated or unsupervised?

If a person receives such a diagnosis, it is important to keep the symptoms under control. Otherwise, one may face numerous complications, some more serious than others. These include:

• Pregnancy-related problems. Possible complications of Graves’ disease during pregnancy are varied. Miscarriage, premature birth, fetal thyroid dysfunction, poor fetal growth, maternal heart failure, and preeclampsia are some examples. Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific condition that results in high blood pressure and other serious signs.
• Heart disorders. If left untreated, Graves’ disease can lead to heart rhythm disorders, changes in the structure and function of the heart muscle. At the same time, the heart’s inability to pump enough blood to the body (in the form of heart failure) is observed.
• Thyroid storm. A rare but life-threatening complication is thyroid storm. It is also called accelerated hyperthyroidism or thyrotoxic crisis.

A sudden and drastic increase in thyroid hormones can produce many effects, including fever, sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, or delirium. Added to these are seizures, arrhythmias, yellow skin and eyes (jaundice), severe low blood pressure, and coma. Thyroid storm requires emergency medical attention.

Bone fragility. Untreated hyperthyroidism can also lead to weak and brittle bones (known as osteoporosis). An increased level of thyroid hormones interferes with the body’s ability to incorporate calcium into bones.

Basedow’s disease: what are the treatment options?

First of all, it is necessary to receive a definitive diagnosis. Thus, it is necessary to seek the help of medical personnel who will begin investigations with a consultation. During this, the doctor can identify if we have an increased pulse and an enlarged thyroid gland (goiter).

The doctor may recommend a series of special tests. These include blood tests to measure levels of TSH, free T3 and T4, as well as radioactive iodine uptake and scan.

Subsequently, a treatment regimen can be established. In this regard, treatments and remedies aim to control thyroid hyperactivity.

1. Beta-blocker medications can help treat:

• Rapid heart rhythm;
• Sweating;
• Anxiety.

These can be administered until hyperthyroidism is controlled.

2. Anti-thyroid medications:

• They block or change how the thyroid gland uses iodine;
• They can be used to control an overactive thyroid gland before surgery or radioactive iodine therapy;
• They can be used as long-term treatment;
• Radioactive iodine is administered orally. It then concentrates in the overactive thyroid tissue and causes damage.

Surgery can be performed to remove the thyroid. However, after undergoing such surgery, one will need to take medication for the rest of their life.

Some of the eye problems related to Graves’ disease improve after treatment with medication, radiation, or surgery. However, radioactive iodine therapy can sometimes worsen eye problems.

Natural alternatives

In addition, natural solutions are always available. Depending on everyone’s needs and general condition, certain supplements can be chosen. These include:

• Vitamin D: It is important for immune system health and bone health maintenance. People with autoimmune thyroiditis (which includes Graves’ disease) may be more prone to vitamin D deficiency.
• Selenium: Some studies suggest that selenium supplementation may help reduce inflammation and improve thyroid function in people with autoimmune thyroiditis, such as Graves’ disease.
• Omega-3: Omega-3 fatty acids can have anti-inflammatory effects and may contribute to maintaining immune system health.
• B Vitamins: Especially vitamin B12, which is important for overall nervous system health and metabolism.

A natural alternative we can turn to for the benefits of the B vitamin complex is Aloe Vera Gel 3L ECO: a concentrated aloe vera dietary supplement. This succulent plant has over 200 vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, all with real benefits for our body. Thus, this ecological product can help you if you are experiencing symptoms of Graves’ disease, such as concentration problems or fatigue. As it comes in a 3-liter container, you can enjoy its beneficial content for a whole month for fatigue, gastrointestinal health, and more. Consume 100 ml daily to enjoy the benefits of this unique plant on Earth!

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In conclusion, even if you are dealing with Basedow’s disease, there is no need to worry. Currently, we have the option to choose from a multitude of natural remedies and treatments that can help us. However, it is recommended to discuss with a doctor first, before making any decisions regarding the management of the condition.

References:

1. BARBUSCIA, M.; QUERCI, A.; TONANTE, A.; PAPARO, D.; TARANTO, F.; ILACQUA, A.; GAGLIANO, E.; MILONE, A.. Total thyroidectomy in Basedow-Graves’ disease treatment: our experience. Il Giornale di Chirurgia – Journal of the Italian Association of Hospital Surgeons 36(3):p 117-121, May 2015.
2. Konrády A. Basedow–Graves-kór kezelése terhességben [Treatment of Basedow-Graves disease in pregnancy]. Orv Hetil. 1995 Dec 10;136(50):2721-5. Hungarian. PMID: 8532325.
3. Vámos A, Balázs C. A csontanyagcsere markereinek vizsgálata Basedow-Graves-kóros betegekben [Bone metabolism markers in patients with Basedow-Graves disease]. Orv Hetil. 1997 Sep 21;138(38):2403-5. Hungarian. PMID: 9380378.