Overview

Graves’ disease, also known as toxic diffuse goitre, is an autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid gland. The gland produces too much thyroid hormone, a condition known as hyperthyroidism. It also often results in an enlarged thyroid. Thyroid hormones regulate body temperature, heart rate and metabolism. An overactive thyroid causes problems with organs like the heart, as well as bones and muscles.

Causes

Graves' disease is more prevalent in women than in men. The age range of 30 to 60 is when women are most frequently impacted. Graves' disease is more common in some women than in others. Your risk increases if you: 

• Have a family history. Graves' disease can run in families. 

• Suffer from another autoimmune condition such as lupus, type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis or pernicious anaemia. 

• Are you experiencing stress? Graves' disease may develop as a result of severe emotional stress or trauma. 

• Just had a baby: Being pregnant affects the thyroid gland. In the year following childbirth, the chance of developing Graves' disease increases sevenfold. This implies that in certain women, pregnancy may either cause or reveal Graves' disease. 

• Have a history of infections: The onset of Graves' disease may be influenced by infection. Graves' disease and infection with the Epstein-Barr virus, which causes mononucleosis, have been linked by researchers. 

• Smoke: Smoking increases your risk of Graves' disease. It is also a leading risk factor for the eye problems seen in Graves' disease, known as Graves' ophthalmopathy.

Symptoms

• Anxiety and irritation.

• A fine tremor of the hands or fingers. 

• Heat sensitivity increases perspiration or warm, moist skin. 

• Weight loss despite normal eating habits.

• Enlargement of the thyroid gland (goitre). 

• Menstrual cycle changes. 

• Erectile dysfunction or decreased libido.

• Frequent bowel movements. 

• Bulging eyes (Graves ophthalmopathy) 

• Fatigue Graves' dermopathy is characterised by thick red skin on the shins and tops of the feet. 

• Heart palpitations (rapid or irregular heartbeat), Sleep disturbance.

Ayurvedic View

Galaganda- ati agni- Here gala refers to the neck and ganda is a swelling resembling the shape of a button, filled bladder etc, The disease is a swelling in front of the neck hanging pendulously like a srotum, either big or small, or due to hormonal imbalance can affect digestion, cardiac, menstrual cycle, psychological health, etc. This is a grave disease. The Ayurveda way of approach is to correct ati agni (metabolism), bring doshas back to prakruta awastha (balance state), reduce the symptoms and prevent the complications by ayurvedic panchakarma treatment and treatment done to improve the function.