What is Graves' disease?

Find out all about Graves' disease, including symptoms, causes, and how to get it tested and treated. Find specific thyroid tests at https://www.bloodtesting.nl/bloedonderzoek/schildklier/

If you have been told that you have Graves' disease, or you know someone with this condition, you probably have many questions. Graves' disease is an autoimmune disease, which means that your body's immune system mistakenly attacks your own tissues. In Graves' disease, the immune system specifically targets the thyroid gland, resulting in hyperthyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too many hormones. This can cause several symptoms that can affect your daily life.

Symptoms of Graves' disease

Symptoms of Graves' disease can range from mild to severe and may include:

• A fast or irregular heartbeat
• Weight loss despite normal appetite
• Excessive sweating
• Fatigue and muscle weakness
• Nervousness or irritability
• Trouble sleeping
• An enlarged thyroid gland, or goiter
• A unique feature of Graves is the development of eye problems, such as bulging eyes, known as Graves' ophthalmopathy.

Causes of Graves' disease

Although the exact cause of Graves' disease is unknown, it is suspected to be related to a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors. If you have family members with autoimmune diseases, you may be at increased risk.

Diagnosis of Graves' disease at bloodvaluestest.co.uk

At bloodvaluetest.co.uk, we understand the importance of accurate diagnosis and offer a range of tests specific to Graves' disease and Hashimoto's disease, another autoimmune thyroid disorder. These tests include:

• TSH: In Graves' disease, TSH is often decreased.
• Free T4 and free T3: These are often elevated in Graves' disease.
• TSH receptor antibodies (TRAK): 80-100% of patients with Graves' disease often have stimulatory antibodies.
• TPO autoantibodies (MAK): 45-80% of Graves patients have these antibodies.
• Tg autoantibodies (TAK): 12-30% of people with Graves have these antibodies.

For more detailed information about these tests and how to request them, visit our thyroid section at bloodvaluetest.co.uk.

Treatment of Graves' disease

Treatment can range from drugs that regulate the thyroid gland, radioactive iodine to reduce thyroid activity, to sometimes surgery to remove part of the thyroid gland. It is essential to work with your doctor to develop a treatment plan that fits your specific situation.

Living with Graves' disease

With the right treatment and approach, you can manage the symptoms of Graves' disease and live a full and active life. Maintain a healthy diet, keep exercising and manage stress whenever possible.

If you have questions or need support in managing your condition, please contact your doctor or specialist. For questions about your results or more information about the thyroid testing we offer, you can always call or email us at bloodvaluestest.co.uk.