Excess of secretion of thyroid hormones may cause Grave’s disease. Thyroid hormone is responsible for the normal growth of the body and hypothyroidism (overproduction of thyroid hormones) can cause various disorders in the body including Grave’s disease. It would significantly affect the well being of the person in many ways.
This disease is commonly found in adult women who are above 40 years and the consequences are serious and sometimes life threatening.
Symptoms :
Anxiety, irritation, weight loss, enlargement of thyroid gland, trembling fingers or hands, rapid heartbeat, profuse sweating, heat sensitivity, lack of sleep, irregular bowel movements, reduced sex drive, missing of monthly periods and change in skin color are some of the signs of this disease.
This disease may also affect your eyes causing Grave’s opthalmopathy where one can have symptoms of dryness, irritation in the eyes, bulging of eyes, watery eyes, inflammation of the eyes, pressure inside the eyes, gritty or sand like sensation in the eyes, vision problems, sensitivity to light and ulcers on the tissue surrounding the eyes.
In case the disease affects the skin it is called Grave’s dermopathy which can cause irritation on the skin, redness and thickened layer of the skin on the shins and feet area. It is very much necessary to seek prompt medical care if you have any of the above symptoms.
Causes :
Exact cause of Grave’s disease is not known. However many doctors believe that it is caused by weakened immunity or auto immune disorder wherein the body’s own immune system will start attacking the healthy cells thereby destructing them. The body produces antibodies for destroying one’s own cells triggering from thyroid gland.
When this happens, the normal production of thyroid hormone from the pituitary gland is affected and a special hormone by name Thyrotropin Receptor Antibody (TRAB) is released in excess quantity. It would deactivate the normal functions of thyroid resulting in excess of thyroxin causing hypothyroidism.