Graves disease is an autoimmune condition. In this disease, the body’s immune system attacks the thyroid gland by mistake. The thyroid is a small gland in the neck. It controls how fast the body works.
Common symptoms are sudden weight loss, fast heartbeat, excessive sweating, and anxiety. Patients may feel tired but restless at the same time. Hands may shake, and sleep problems are seen too. Some patients notice bulging or dry eyes. Hair thinning and warm skin can also occur.
Graves disease happens due to genetic factors, long-term stress, smoking, or infections. A family history of thyroid problems increases the risk.
This condition causes hyperthyroidism, where the thyroid makes too much hormone. As a result, the body’s metabolism becomes very fast. If untreated, it can affect the heart, bones, and overall health. Early diagnosis and treatment help manage symptoms effectively.
What are the Symptoms and Indications of Graves Disease?
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes the thyroid gland to become overactive, a condition known as hyperthyroidism. By flooding the system with excess hormones, the body's metabolic rate accelerates significantly, resulting in a wide array of physical and psychological changes. While the severity can vary from person to person, the following symptoms are key indicators of the condition:
- Unexplained weight loss despite normal eating
- Excessive sweating and heat intolerance
- Anxiety, nervousness, or irritability
- Tremors in hands or fingers
- Fatigue with restlessness
- Double vision in some cases
- Muscle weakness, especially in arms and legs
Can Graves' Disease Be Prevented?
Technically, no. Because it is an autoimmune disorder with strong genetic roots (it runs in families), there is no vaccine or sure-fire way to prevent it entirely. However, you can significantly reduce your risk or prevent the disease from becoming severe by managing the "environmental triggers" that turn the disease on.
Quit Smoking
This is the most controllable risk factor. If you have a family history of thyroid issues, avoiding tobacco is critical.
Manage Stress
While you cannot avoid all stress, managing it through exercise, sleep, and mindfulness can help keep your immune system stable.
Be Careful with Iodine
Avoid taking "thyroid support" supplements loaded with iodine or eating excessive amounts of kelp/seaweed unless a doctor advises it.
Monitor Your Health (if you are high risk)
Check Vitamin D, as Vitamin D deficiency is linked to many autoimmune disorders. Ask your doctor for a TSH test during your annual check-up. Catching it early prevents severe heart and muscle complications.
What Options Are There for Treating Graves' Disease?
Doctors primarily use three methods to treat Graves' disease. The goal is to stop the thyroid from overproducing hormones. The choice of treatment depends on your age, whether you are pregnant, the severity of your condition, and the status of your eyes (Graves' ophthalmopathy).
Medication (The First Line of Defense)
For many patients, doctors start with Antithyroid Drugs. These medications block the thyroid's ability to make new hormones.
Methimazole (Tapazole) is the most common. Propylthiouracil (PTU) is typically used only during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Treatment usually lasts 12–18 months. In some patients, the disease goes into "remission" after this period, and they can stop the medication. If it returns, doctors usually move to the options below.
Radioactive Iodine Therapy (RAI)
This is a very common, permanent treatment, especially in the US. You swallow a capsule or liquid containing radioactive iodine. Since the thyroid naturally absorbs iodine to make hormones, it absorbs the radiation, which slowly destroys the overactive thyroid cells over a few weeks or months.
This usually destroys the thyroid's function entirely. Most patients will eventually become hypothyroid (underactive thyroid) and must take a daily hormone replacement pill (Levothyroxine) for the rest of their lives.
This is not used for pregnant women or people with moderate-to-severe eye disease, as it can sometimes worsen eye symptoms.
Surgery (Thyroidectomy)
Surgery involves removing all or part of the thyroid gland. Patients with very large goiters (swollen necks) that block breathing, those who cannot tolerate the medicines, or pregnant women who cannot take antithyroid drugs. Like RAI, this is a permanent cure but results in lifelong hypothyroidism requiring daily pills.
It carries standard surgical risks, including potential damage to the voice box or parathyroid glands (which control calcium).
Managing Symptoms (Immediate Relief)
While waiting for the above treatments to work (which can take weeks), doctors prescribe Beta-Blockers (like Propranolol or Atenolol).
These do not cure the disease or lower thyroid levels. Instead, they block the effect of the hormones on your body, stopping the shaking, rapid heartbeat, and anxiety immediately.
Treating the Eyes (Graves' Ophthalmopathy)
If you have the "bulging eye" symptoms, treating the thyroid alone may not fix them. Doctors may prescribe:
To reduce inflammation behind the eyes.
Tepezza (Teprotumumab): A newer biologic drug specifically approved to treat thyroid eye disease.
Surgery: In severe cases where vision is threatened, surgery may be done to decompress the eye socket.
Do Artemis Hospitals, Gurugram, Treat Patients with Graves’ Disease?
Artemis Hospitals, Gurugram, is equipped to manage Graves’ disease through a coordinated, multi-specialty approach. This begins with the Endocrinology department, where patients are evaluated and treated with medications to control excess thyroid hormone and manage related symptoms. Regular monitoring helps adjust treatment based on hormone levels and clinical response.
For patients who need definitive therapy, the hospital has a dedicated Nuclear Medicine unit that provides radioactive iodine treatment. This option is commonly used when medicines are not effective or suitable and helps reduce thyroid hormone production in a controlled manner.
In cases where surgery is recommended, the Head and Neck Surgery team performs thyroidectomy using standard safety protocols. Surgical care is supported by experienced anesthesiology, imaging, and post-operative monitoring teams.
This integrated setup allows treatment to be tailored to disease severity, age, and patient needs. By offering medical, radioactive, and surgical options under one roof, Artemis Hospitals enables structured and comprehensive care for individuals diagnosed with Graves’ disease.
How to Book an Appointment at Artemis Hospitals for Graves' Disease Treatment?
Booking an appointment at Artemis Hospitals, Gurugram is simple and convenient. Patients can call the hospital’s appointment helpline at +91 98004 00498 to speak with a representative and schedule a consultation.
Appointments can also be booked online through the official Artemis Hospitals website, where patients can choose a specialist, select a preferred date, and submit basic details for confirmation.
Another option is the PHR (Personal Health Record) app, which allows patients to book appointments, manage health records, and track consultations digitally. The app is useful for follow-ups and accessing medical information in one place.
These booking options help patients access timely evaluation and treatment for Graves’ disease with minimal hassle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What medications were advised to patients with grave disease?
Patients with Graves’ disease are usually given two types of medicines. Antithyroid drugs help reduce excess thyroid hormone production. Beta-blockers are used to control symptoms like fast heartbeat and tremors.
How do grave disease symptoms appear in men?
In men, Graves’ disease symptoms often appear gradually and may be missed early. Some men notice hand tremors, heat intolerance, and trouble sleeping. Eye problems like dryness, bulging, or double vision can occur in some cases. Graves’ disease can also affect sexual health, leading to low libido or erectile issues. Because these symptoms are sometimes linked to stress or lifestyle, men may delay seeking care. Early diagnosis helps prevent heart, bone, and muscle complications.
What is the ICD-10 code for grave disease?
Graves’ disease is mainly coded under ICD-10 category E05, which is used for hyperthyroidism. The most common code is E05.0, which includes Graves’ disease with diffuse goiter. If the condition is present without specific complications, E05.90 may be used. Additional codes are added if complications like thyroid storm or eye involvement are present. Choosing the correct code depends on the patient’s symptoms and clinical findings.
How do my eyes appear when I have grave disease?
This condition can cause the eyes to bulge outward. As a result, the eyelids may not close fully. The eye socket does not change in size. But the eye muscles become enlarged. Because of this, the muscles may not move normally. This can lead to double vision.
What else is grave disease called?
Graves’ disease, also called toxic diffuse goiter or Basedow’s disease, is an autoimmune condition of the thyroid gland. It happens when the immune system overstimulates the thyroid. This leads to excess hormone production. Graves’ disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism.
What is Grave's disease caused due to Hyposecretion of?
This condition develops due to low secretion of thyroid hormones during childhood. It can occur when the pituitary gland produces less TSH. Low TSH reduces thyroid activity in the body. In some cases, a child may be born without a thyroid gland. This congenital absence can also lead to cretinism.
Which is the nearest hospital for graves' disease diagnosis?
If you are looking for a nearby hospital for Graves’ disease diagnosis, Artemis Hospitals in Gurugram is a commonly consulted option. The hospital has diagnostic facilities for thyroid disorders, including blood tests, imaging, and specialist consultations under one roof. This setup helps in timely evaluation and accurate diagnosis of Graves’ disease.
How much does it cost to check for graves' disease?
The diagnosis happens in two stages.
- Basic Thyroid Profile (Tests: T3, T4, TSH)
- Graves' Confirmation (Tests: Anti-TPO Antibody and TRAb (TSH Receptor Antibody) / TSI)
The cost of the above listed tests may change depending on your chosen hospital.
Does the graves’ disease treatment begin right away after the diagnosis?
Yes, if your heart rate is very fast or you have tremors, the doctor will likely prescribe Beta-Blockers (like Propranolol or Atenolol) immediately during the first visit. These do not cure the thyroid but will stop the shaking and heart palpitations within hours.
