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The excessive production of thyroid hormones in Graves' disease results in a condition known as hyperthyroidism, which accelerates some body metabolism processes (Graves’ Disease: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment, n.d.). The elevated levels of T3 and T4 have widespread effects on various body systems, including increased metabolism, rapid heart rate, and impaired temperature regulation (De Leo, Lee and Braverman, 2016).
The symptoms of Graves' Disease are similar to symptoms of hyperthyroidism which include:
Goitre: an enlarged thyroid gland
Weight loss despite an increased appetite
Tachycardia (rapid or irregular pulse)
Anxiety and irritability
Sleeping difficulty and exhaustion
Trembling hands and muscle weakness
Sweating and difficulty tolerating heat
Frequent bowel movements
Exophthalmos or bulging eyes
Change in menstrual cycle
Graves' illness can cause abnormal cardiac rhythms, alterations in the structure and performance of the heart muscles, and heart failure, which is when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to the body (Osuna, Udovcic and Sharma, 2017).
Sometimes Graves’ disease will also lead to Graves’ ophthalmopathy (GO) which occurs when eyes muscles and tissues around the eyes are affected by inflammation and other immune system processes. However, an individual can also develop GO without the presence of hyperthyroidism (Graves’ Disease, 2022).
Symptoms include:
Swollen, gritty, itchy eyes
Bulging eyes
Eyes sensitive to light
Eye pressure or pain
Blurred or double vision
Individuals diagnosed with Graves’ disease can also develop Graves’ dermopathy which is a disorder that results in the skin becoming thick, rough, and reddish. The tops of the feet and other body parts can also be affected in addition to the shins (Graves’ Disease, 2022).
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