What is Graves’ Disease?

by Elaine Moore


There are many GD variants or subtypes, and each individual case of GD is unique. Graves' disease is caused by stimulating TSH receptor antibodies, which are also known as thyroid stimulating immunoglobulins or TSI. These antibodies activate receptors on the surface of thyroid cells, ordering thyroid cells to produce more thyroid hormone. Like a key opening a lock, these antibodies cause a sustained increase in thyroid hormone levels.

Graves' disease primarily targets women between the ages of 30-50. However, it also affects men, and it can affect individuals of any age. GD can also affect muscle, causing muscle weakness, and it can affect heart muscle.

Patients with pretibial myxedema (PTM) may rarely develop a soft tissue disorder known as acropachy that primarily affects the fingers and toes. GD patients may also exhibit symptoms of clubbing which is different than acropachy. 

As mentioned, the stimulating thyrotropin (or TSH) receptor antibodies seen in Graves' disease are also called thyroid stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI). These antibodies are directly responsible for the hyperthyroidism of Graves' disease. Acting in place of TSH, they direct the thyroid gland to keep producing and secreting excess thyroid hormone. 

TSI activate the TSH receptor on thyroid cells, mimicking the action of TSH, a hormone released by the pituitary gland. Normally, TSH stimulates the thyroid gland to produce and release thyroid hormone. Bypassing all normal regulatory controls, TSI cause the thyroid gland to release excess thyroid hormone, causing hyperthyroidism. TSI also stimulate orbital cells, causing Graves' ophthalmopathy and they stimulate dermal cells, causing pretibial myxedema.


When thyroid hormone levels in the blood are low, the hypothalamus orders the pituitary to secrete more TSH and TSH levels are high. When thyroid hormone levels are elevated, the hypothalamus halts TSH release. Thus, in hyperthyroidism, levels of TSH are low, frequently lower than the detection level (usually <0.01 IU/L).



Who Gets Graves' Disease?

Graves' disease affects women 7 times more often than men. The peak age for GD is 20-40 years although young children and the elderly are also affected. Symptoms of GD in males are often more severe, and men are more likely to develop muscle disorders. Males are seldom diagnosed with GD until their symptoms are severe.

The Role of Genetic Factors


Fifth Chakra Influences in GD

The fifth chakra is the throat chakra. It is related to our ability to speak out and voice our truth. If there is a blockage in the throat area, it may be due to holding back or not being comfortable enough in the world (third chakra influence) in order to express one’s ideas and feelings. Or one may feel powerless and feel the necessity of keeping secrets. However, when this center is open, individuals freely speak out and express their deepest ideas and feelings.

Iodine can trigger GD in susceptible individuals

A new model for the study of the role of iodine in inducing thyroid autoimmunity has become available in the form of the nonobese diabetic (NOD)-H2h4 mouse. This animal develops autoimmune thyroiditis spontaneously but in relatively low prevalence. However, if iodine is added to the drinking water, the prevalence and severity of the thyroid lesions increase markedly.

© 6 Jul 2006 Copyrighted by Elaine Moore

Elaine Moore Graves' Disease and Autoimmune Disease Education 

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