THE MOST COMMON CAUSE OF HYPERTHYROIDISM
Graves' Disease
An autoimmune disorder causing an overactive thyroid with weight loss, palpitations, anxiety and eye changes. Treated effectively with medical, radioactive iodine or surgical options.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is Graves' Disease
Graves' disease is an autoimmune condition that stimulates the thyroid gland to produce excessive thyroid hormone, leading to hyperthyroidism. It is the most common cause of an overactive thyroid and is more common in women. Typical features include unintentional weight loss, fast or irregular heart rate, palpitations, heat intolerance, sweating, tremor, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, frequent bowel motions and an enlarged thyroid gland. A subset of patients develop characteristic eye changes (Graves' ophthalmopathy), including bulging, irritation and double vision. Untreated Graves' disease can lead to atrial fibrillation, heart failure, osteoporosis and thyroid storm. Treatment options include antithyroid medication, radioactive iodine therapy and surgery, with the choice tailored to the individual. Specialist eye care may be needed in those with significant eye involvement. Dr. Patnam Pravallika Reddy provides complete Graves' disease care at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Autoimmune antibodies that stimulate the thyroid gland
- Family history of autoimmune thyroid disease
- More common in women, particularly aged 20–50 years
- Triggers such as stress, smoking and infections in susceptible people
- Pregnancy and postpartum changes
- Associated with other autoimmune conditions
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
TSH, free thyroid hormones, antibody testing, thyroid scan and ultrasound
Antithyroid medical therapy, radioactive iodine or surgery
Specialist evaluation and care may be needed
Smoking worsens eye disease and should be stopped
Most patients achieve good control with appropriate treatment
Available at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Tailored Treatment with Eye Care When Needed
The most effective approach combines a tailored treatment plan — antithyroid medical therapy, radioactive iodine ablation or surgery — with specialist evaluation and care for eye involvement when present, and ongoing monitoring of thyroid function and cardiovascular risk.
- 1
Consultation & Assessment
Dr. Pravallika reviews symptoms, examines the thyroid, heart and eyes and orders blood tests, scan and ultrasound.
- 2
Treatment Planning
A personalised plan is discussed, including the pros and cons of antithyroid medical therapy, radioactive iodine and surgery.
- 3
Medical Management
Antithyroid medical therapy, rate-control medication for symptoms, and coordination of definitive treatment as appropriate.
- 4
Recovery & Follow-up
Long-term monitoring of thyroid function, management of any eye disease, and ongoing care after definitive treatment, including thyroid hormone replacement if needed.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Treatment Options
Antithyroid Medical Therapy
Medication that reduces thyroid hormone production is often the first-line treatment, taken for many months to years.
Radioactive Iodine Ablation (Referral for nuclear medicine)
Radioactive iodine is a definitive treatment that destroys overactive thyroid tissue, given as an oral dose under specialist supervision.
Surgery in Select Cases (Referral for surgical evaluation)
Thyroid surgery is considered in selected patients, including those with large goitres, suspicion of cancer, severe eye disease or specific reproductive considerations.
Symptom Control with Rate-Lowering Medication
Additional medication is used short-term to control fast heart rate, palpitations and tremor while antithyroid therapy takes effect.
Ophthalmology Referral if Orbitopathy (Referral for ophthalmology)
Patients with significant eye involvement are referred for specialist evaluation and combined endocrine–ophthalmology care.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
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