The difference between Graves’ disease and hyperthyroidism –

In this article, we look at what hyperthyroidism and Graves’ disease are, as well as the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of both.

We also explain the outlook of the conditions, prevention, and when to contact a doctor.

Graves’ disease is one of several potential causes of hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid gland.

Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces more thyroid hormone than the body needs. Thyroid hormones control how the body uses energy.

Hyperthyroidism can have various causes. One of them is Graves’ disease, which is an autoimmune condition.

In Graves’ disease, the immune system produces an antibody known as thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI). This antibody acts similarly to thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).

Typically, TSH communicates with the thyroid gland and tells it how much thyroid hormone to produce. In Graves’ disease, TSI causes the thyroid to overproduce thyroid hormone, which can affect how the body uses energy.

The symptoms of hyperthyroidism can includeTrusted Source:

• unintentional weight loss
• excessive sweating
• rapid or irregular heartbeat
• fatigue
• trouble sleeping
• irritability
• muscle weakness
• shaking hands
• frequent bowel movements
• an enlarged thyroid gland, called a goiter, at the base of the neck

Symptoms of Graves’ disease can includeTrusted Source all the symptoms of hyperthyroidism, as well as problems with the eyes, such as:

• puffy eyes
• blurry vision
• light sensitivity
• bulging eyes
• irritated eyes that feel gritty
• pain or pressure in the eyes

People with Graves’ disease can also have a skin condition known as Graves’ dermopathy, or pretibial myxedema. This condition causes the skin to become thick and rough. The condition is not painful. It typically affects the shins and tops of the feet.

Graves’ disease is only one potential cause of hyperthyroidism. Other causes include:

• Thyroiditis: An inflamed thyroid, which may cause thyroid hormone to seep out of the thyroid.
• Thyroid nodules: Noncancerous growths on the thyroid, known as thyroid nodules, can lead to an overproduction of thyroid hormone.
• Excess of thyroid medication: In some cases, a person may take too much medication to treat hypothyroidism, which is an underactive thyroid. This may lead to an overactive thyroid or thyrotoxicosis.
• Excess iodine: Consuming too much iodine may cause the thyroid to overproduce thyroid hormone. This can occur if someone receives iodine contrast for CT scans or takes an iodine-containing medication, such as amiodarone. It is also possible to get too much iodine from supplements or high-iodine foods, such as seaweed.
• Iodine deficiency: Not getting enough iodine can lead to an underactive or overactive thyroid gland in some cases. Fish and seafood are key sources of iodine, so people who eat vegetarian or vegan diets may not get enough unless they use iodized table salt. A 2022 review notes that mild to moderate iodine deficiency is increasing in the United States.

To diagnose Graves’ disease or hyperthyroidism, a doctor mayTrusted Source:

• perform a physical exam
• take a medical history
• order blood tests, which can check for TSI and measure thyroid hormone levels
• perform a thyroid ultrasound and a Doppler ultrasound, in which a doctor uses equipment to emit and receive ultrasound waves to form images of the thyroid
• perform a radioactive iodine uptake test, which measures how much iodine the thyroid is taking from the blood to make thyroid hormones

TSH levels

A doctor may also perform thyroid tests to check for hyperthyroidism. These includeTrusted Source:

• TSH test: The pituitary gland produces this hormone to tell the thyroid how much T3 and T4, which are thyroid hormones, to make. Low levels of TSH can indicate hyperthyroidism. This is because the pituitary gland stops releasing TSH into the blood as the body has too many thyroid hormones. High levels of TSH may indicate hypothyroidism.
• T3 and T4 tests: High levels of these hormones may indicate hyperthyroidism.

Treatments for hyperthyroidism includeTrusted Source:

• Medication: A doctor may prescribe antithyroid medication, such as methimazole, which can cause the thyroid to produce less thyroid hormone. They may also prescribe beta-blockers, which cause blood vessels to relax and widen, and stop substances such as adrenaline from affecting nerve cells.
• Radioiodine therapy: This involves taking radioactive iodine in an oral form as a capsule or liquid. The iodine destroys the thyroid cells responsible for producing thyroid hormones.
• Surgery: Removal of part of the thyroid can help hormone levels return to appropriate levels. However, surgery can also lead to hypothyroidism, which may require medication.

For eye problems associated with Graves’ disease, treatment may also involveTrusted Source:

• eye drops
• corticosteroids or other medication to reduce the body’s immune response
• radiation therapy, in rare cases, to the tissues and muscles surrounding the eyes
• surgery to correct vision or eye bulging

A doctor may refer someone to an endocrinologist for treatment.

Doctors can treat hyperthyroidism effectively in most cases, depending on the cause of the condition.

A person typically requires ongoing treatment for Graves’ disease unless they undergo treatment that has effectively treated their condition.

It is important to note that most treatments for Graves’ disease can potentially lead to hypothyroidism. However, this is manageable with medication.

It is not always possible to prevent hyperthyroidism, particularly in autoimmune cases. However, people can take care of the thyroid by:

• getting an adequate but not excessive amount of iodine per day
• quitting smoking, if applicable
• checking medications for thyroid-related side effects or risks before taking them

If a person has concerns that a medication could be affecting their thyroid negatively, they should contact a doctor. Do not stop or change the dosage of a prescribed medication without seeking medical advice.

A person should contact a doctor as soon as possible if they have symptoms of hyperthyroidism or Graves’ disease.

Although treatment for the conditions is generally straightforward, hyperthyroidism and Graves’ disease can result in severe complications if left untreated. These includeTrusted Source:

• stroke and other heart-related problems
• problems with fertility
• problems with the menstrual cycle
• eye problems
• osteoporosis

This section answers some frequently asked questions about Graves’ disease and hyperthyroidism.

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune condition that causes the immune system to attack the thyroid. This results in hyperthyroidism, or an overproduction of thyroid hormone.

Graves’ disease is one of several causes of hyperthyroidism. The symptoms of both conditions are similar, although a person with Graves’ disease may also experience eye and skin problems.

Untreated hyperthyroidism can lead to severe health problems. Treatment involves medication, radioiodine therapy, surgery, and in some cases of Graves’ disease, eye treatment.