Graves' Disease - NIDDK
Overview of Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder that can cause hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid.
www.niddk.nih.govGraves’ disease symptoms are mainly those of hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)—for example fast/irregular heartbeat, tremor, heat intolerance/sweating, anxiety/irritability, weight loss, diarrhea, and an enlarged thyroid (goiter). A common Graves-specific clue is thyroid eye disease, which can cause bulging eyes, eye irritation/pressure, and vision changes.[2][3][4]
Common symptoms to watch for
- Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia), palpitations, sometimes irregular heartbeat[3][2]
- Tremor (shaky hands), muscle weakness, fatigue[2][3]
- Heat intolerance, excessive sweating, warm/moist skin[3][2]
- Anxiety, nervousness, irritability, insomnia[2][3]
- Weight loss despite increased appetite; increased frequency of bowel movements/diarrhea[3][2]
- Goiter (enlarged thyroid)[2][3]
- Menstrual changes (lighter, fewer, or absent periods)[3][2]
Graves-related features (more specific)
- Thyroid eye disease (Graves’ ophthalmopathy): bulging eyes, gritty/irritated eyes, puffiness, light sensitivity, eye pressure/pain, blurred/double vision[4]
- Skin findings (Graves dermopathy/pretibial myxedema): thickened, discolored skin on the shins/feet[2]
When to get urgent care
If symptoms include severe hyperthyroid effects such as confusion, very high heart rate/irregular rhythm, severe weakness, and fever/sweating, it could be thyroid storm, which needs emergency attention.[3]
“Latest news” note
I don’t currently have reliable access to a fresh set of news headlines specifically about symptom changes in Graves’ disease in May 2026—if you want, tell me your country/news sources you prefer (e.g., UK/US, BBC/Reuters/medical journals), and I can summarize the most recent reporting you’re interested in.