Grave's Disease

Grave's Disease is an autoimmune disorder resulting in hyperthyroidism via excess thyroid hormone (T3 and T4) secretion.

When functioning correctly, thyroid-stimulating hormone from the anterior pituitary triggers T4 production by the thyroid. With Grave's Disease, antibodies stimulate the production of T4 directly. Therefore, Grave's Disease is diagnosed via low TSH and high T4 in the blood.

Signs and symptoms of Grave's Disease include:

• All S/S of hyperthyroidism.
• Exophthalmos (protruding eyes).

Grave's Disease carries an increased risk of thyroid storm.