Graves' disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism in the United States, affecting 30 per 100,000 people annually. It is caused by antibodies that stimulate the thyroid gland to overproduce hormones, which can lead to a variety of symptoms including anxiety, irritability, rapid heartbeat, and eye problems. While Graves' disease is usually easily diagnosed by its symptoms and physical signs, in some cases further testing is required. If left untreated, it can cause severe thyrotoxicosis and even be fatal, but treatment with radioactive iodine or medications can effectively control the condition in most patients.

1. Maddie Paz

2.  Anxiety
 Irritability
 Difficulty sleeping
 Fatigue
 A rapid or irregular heartbeat
 A fine tremor of your hands or fingers
 An increase in perspiration or warm, moist skin
 Sensitivity to heat
 Weight loss, despite normal eating habits
 Enlargement of your thyroid gland (goiter)
 Change in menstrual cycles
 Erectile dysfunction or reduced libido
 Frequent bowel movements or diarrhea
 Bulging eyes (Graves' ophthalmopathy)
 Thick, red skin usually on the shins or tops of the feet (Graves'
dermopathy)

4.  Due to the eye signs and the goiter, Grave’s
disease is easily diagnosed
 Sometimes the diagnosis is not as obvious,
patients severely ill with other disease, in
elderly patients with “apathetic
hypothyroidism”, or when the presenting
symptom is unusual, such as muscle
weakness, or psychosis, the diagnosis depends
on clinical alertness and further testing.

6.  Hormones secreted by the thyroid gland
control metabolism.
 Speed at which the body converts food into
energy

7.  Most common cause of hyperthyroidism in the
United States
 30 cases in 100,000 people a year
 Cause of hyperthyroidism in 60-90%
worldwide
 Susceptibility is increased in females
 Affects all races equally
 Can occur in all ages/sexes but is most
common in young women
 Typical age range 20-40 years old

8.  Radioactive Iodine
 Low relapse rate (>50%)
 Can be done in an outpatient setting

9.  Easily treated, however if left alone Graves
disease is fatal
 If left untreated, Graves disease can cause
severe thyrotoxicosis

10. "Graves' Disease." Symptoms. Mayo Clinic
Staff, 2013. Web. 11 Mar. 2014.
DeGroot, Leslie J., M.D. "Diagnosis and
Treatment of Graves’ Disease." Thyroid
Disease Manager. Thyroid Disease Manager,
13 Feb. 2012. Web. 12 Mar. 2014.
Yeung, Sai-Ching Jim, MD. "Graves
Disease ." Graves Disease. Medscape, 21 Mar.
2013. Web. 12 Mar. 2014.

11.  Since the majority of my pictures were in
black and white, I thought it would look better
if I added some color. However, since Grave’s
disease can cause fatalities, I didn’t think too
much color was appropriate.