Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid. With this disease, your immune system attacks the thyroid and causes it to make more thyroid hormone than your body needs.
Is hyperthyroidism always autoimmune?
Thyroid gland
Graves' disease is an immune system disorder that results in the overproduction of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism). Although a number of disorders may result in hyperthyroidism, Graves' disease is a common cause.
Does hyperthyroidism weaken immune system?
The main messages are: Levothyroxine used to treat an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) and antithyroid drugs (carbimazole and propylthiouracil) used to treat an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) do not suppress your immune system.
What are the dangers of an overactive thyroid?
Some of the most serious complications of hyperthyroidism involve the heart. These include a rapid heart rate , a heart rhythm disorder called atrial fibrillation that increases your risk of stroke, and congestive heart failure — a condition in which your heart can't circulate enough blood to meet your body's needs.
Is thyroid disease considered an autoimmune disease?
Autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD) are the most prevalent organ-specific autoimmune diseases (ADs) and affect 2 – 5% of the population (1) with great variability between genders (i.e., women 5–15% and men 1–5%) (2). AITD include Graves' Disease (GD) and Hashimoto Thyroiditis (HT), among others.
Does having an autoimmune disease mean you are immunocompromised?
People with autoimmune disease aren't typically considered immunocompromised, unless they take certain medications that slow down their immune system. “The connotation for immunocompromised is that the immune function is reduced so you are more prone to infection ,” Dr. Khor says.
Does thyroid make you immunocompromised?
However, the immune system is complex, and having autoimmune thyroid disease does not mean that a person is immunocompromised or will be unable to fight off a viral infection.
Does hyperthyroidism go away?
Hyperthyroidism typically does not go away on its own . Most people need treatment to make hyperthyroidism go away. After treatment, many people develop hypothyroidism (too little thyroid hormone).
What is thyroid eye disorder?
Thyroid eye disease is a rare disease characterized by progressive inflammation and damage to tissues around the eyes , especially extraocular muscle, connective, and fatty tissue. Thyroid eye disease is characterized by an active disease phase in which progressive inflammation, swelling, and tissue changes occur.
Does stress cause hyperthyroidism?
Stress alone will not cause a thyroid disorder , but it can make the condition worse. The impact of stress on the thyroid occurs by slowing your body's metabolism.
Does Graves disease shorten your life?
Graves' disease is rarely life-threatening . However, without treatment, it can lead to heart problems and weak and brittle bones. Graves' disease is known as an autoimmune disorder. That's because with the disease, your immune system attacks your thyroid — a small, butterfly-shaped gland at the base of your neck.
What does a thyroid storm feel like?
Symptoms of thyroid storm include: Feeling extremely irritable or grumpy . High systolic blood pressure, low diastolic blood pressure, and fast heartbeat. Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
What is the main cause of thyroid problems?
Problems with the thyroid can be caused by: iodine deficiency . autoimmune diseases , in which the immune system attacks the thyroid, leading either to hyperthyroidism (caused by Graves' disease) or hypothyroidism (caused by Hashimoto's disease) inflammation (which may or may not cause pain), caused by a virus or ...
What foods to avoid if you have an overactive thyroid?
- iodized salt.
- fish and shellfish.
- seaweed or kelp.
- dairy products.
- iodine supplements.
- food products containing red dye.
- egg yolks.
- blackstrap molasses.
What happens if an overactive thyroid is left untreated?
If left untreated, hyperthyroidism can cause serious problems with the heart, bones, muscles, menstrual cycle, and fertility . During pregnancy, untreated hyperthyroidism can lead to health problems for the mother and baby. The thyroid is a small gland in your neck that makes thyroid hormones.
Can you gain weight with an overactive thyroid?
Hyperthyroidism usually increases your appetite. If you're taking in a lot more calories, you can gain weight even if your body is burning more energy. Make sure you eat healthy foods, get regular exercise, and work with a doctor on a nutrition plan.
