How does the immune system respond to Graves disease?
With Graves' disease, your immune system makes an antibody called thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) that attaches to your thyroid cells. TSI acts like thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), a hormone made in your pituitary gland that tells your thyroid how much thyroid hormone to make.
Which organ is targeted in Graves disease?
Graves' disease is a type of autoimmune disease that damages the thyroid gland. This butterfly-shaped gland in the neck produces hormones that regulate how your body uses energy (metabolism). Graves' disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland).May 26, 2020
Is Graves disease an immune deficiency?
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.Dec 5, 2020
What do antibodies do in Graves disease?
Graves' disease happens when the immune system of an individual makes specialized proteins called antibodies, which circulate in the blood then attach to the thyroid gland at a place called the TSH receptor. These TSH receptor antibodies then stimulate the thyroid to make excess amounts of thyroid hormone.
What is Graves disease and how is it treated?
Graves' disease is an autoimmune condition that causes an overactive thyroid. This refers to having too much thyroid hormone in the body, an issue that is also called hyperthyroidism. Treatment may include medications to reduce the production of thyroid hormone, radioiodine therapy, or surgery to remove the thyroid.
Is methimazole an immunosuppressant?
The immunosuppressive effect of methimazole on cell-mediated immunity is mediated by its capacity to inhibit peroxidase and to scavenge free oxygen radicals. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf).
Does thyroid affect your immune system?
There is some evidence that patients who have uncontrolled hypothyroidism (i.e. very high serum TSH) have impaired immune function. This returns to normal once corrected with thyroid hormones.Mar 31, 2020
What other autoimmune diseases are associated with Graves disease?
Graves disease is associated with pernicious anemia, vitiligo, diabetes mellitus type 1, autoimmune adrenal insufficiency, systemic sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, Sjögren syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. Graves ophthalmopathy is shown below.Apr 17, 2020
How are beta blockers helpful in Graves disease?
Beta blockers ameliorate the symptoms of hyperthyroidism that are caused by increased beta-adrenergic tone. These include palpitations, tachycardia, tremulousness, anxiety, and heat intolerance.Oct 25, 2021
What antibodies are high in Graves disease?
TPO antibodies are almost always high in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and are elevated in more than half of patients with Graves' disease. However, people without symptoms of thyroid disease may also have TPO antibodies.Nov 9, 2021
What is the cause of Graves disease?
Causes of Graves' Disease Normally, the thyroid gets its production orders through another chemical called thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), released by the pituitary gland in the brain. But in Graves' disease, a malfunction in the body's immune system releases abnormal antibodies that act like TSH.Jan 18, 2021
What is the unique feature of the antibody produced in Graves disease that stimulates growth of the thyroid gland?
The immunologic processes involved in Graves' disease (GD) have one unique characteristic – the autoantibodies to the TSH receptor (TSHR) – which have both linear and conformational epitopes.Sep 11, 2015
Prescriptions
Radioactive Iodine Therapy
- Radioactive iodine therapy (RAI) treats Graves' disease by damaging or destroying thyroid cells through radiation. This may sound concerning but it is generally safe. During this procedure, you are given a pill to swallow. You will be instructed to drink a lot of water to flush the remaining radioactive iodine out of your system. You may experience...
Thyroidectomy
- Thyroidectomy is a medical procedure where a surgeon removes the entire thyroid. This may cure hyperthyroidism but there is a risk that it will cause hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), which requires lifelong medication with Synthroid (levothyroxine). Prior to surgery, you will have blood taken, scans such as computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), an…
Home Remedies and Lifestyle
- Eye symptoms associated with Graves' disease such as dryness and swelling can often be treated at home. Home remedies include:13 1. Using a cold washcloth on your eyes provides extra moisture if your eyes feel dry. 2. Eye dropscan help relieve dryness and scratchiness. 3. Elevating your head in bed can reduce swelling around the eyes. 4. Wearing sunglasses can reduce your e…
Supplements
- There are a variety of supplementsthat may benefit people with Graves' disease. These include: 1. Selenium: This is a mineral that plays a role in metabolism and brain function. Iodine, the key ingredient of the thyroid hormone, requires selenium to be synthesized properly into thyroid hormone. Selenium is the only supplement that has consistently proven to benefit people with G…
Summary
- Graves' disease can be treated with various medications and procedures, including radioactive iodine therapy and thyroidectomy. Complementary therapies such as dietary changes, supplements, and at-home symptom management can also help alleviate symptoms. Always check with your healthcare provider before trying a new supplement, diet, or home remedy, as it …
A Word from Verywell
- Graves' disease is a treatable condition that can be supplemented with at-home care. Over time, your condition can go into remission, meaning you may become asymptomatic or even be cured of it altogether. If your symptoms worsen, call your healthcare provider to have an exam and see if another treatment plan can help.