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 (an overactive thyroid), plus some Graves-specific signs like bulging eyes (thyroid eye disease) and thickened/red skin on the shins (Graves dermopathy).[2][3]
Common symptoms (hyperthyroid-type)
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat (palpitations), heat intolerance, excessive sweating[3][4]
- Tremor (shaky hands), anxiety/nervousness, trouble sleeping, irritability[4][3]
- Weight loss despite increased appetite, muscle weakness, fatigue[3][4]
- More frequent bowel movements/diarrhea[5][4]
- Enlarged thyroid (goiter)[4][3]
Graves-specific symptoms
- Bulging eyes, gritty/irritated eyes, light sensitivity, pressure or pain, blurred/double vision (thyroid eye disease)[2][5]
- Thickened, reddened skin (often on shins/upper feet) (Graves dermopathy)[2]
When symptoms can be dangerous
- Thyroid storm is rare but life-threatening and may include fever, severe weakness, confusion/delirium, irregular heartbeat, and very low blood pressure—seek emergency care immediately if suspected.[4]
“Latest news” note
I don’t currently have access in this chat to fetch and summarize the newest headlines from the last few days; what I can provide reliably is the current, clinically accepted symptom set from major medical sources.[2][4]
If you tell me your age, sex, and which symptoms you’re experiencing (and how long), I can help you understand whether they fit Graves’ disease vs. other common causes of hyperthyroid-like symptoms, and what to ask a clinician to test (typically thyroid function tests and thyroid antibodies).