Graves' Disease in Pregnancy - oneGRAVESvoice

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Graves’ Disease in Pregnancy

key information

source: Nationwide Children’s Hospital

year: 2021

summary/abstract:

What is Graves Disease?
Graves disease is a condition where the thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone. This is called hyperthyroidism or overactive thyroid. Graves disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism during pregnancy. Having too much thyroid hormone speeds up the way the body uses energy and controls growth. 

What Causes Graves Disease in Pregnancy?
A healthy thyroid gland works normally in pregnancy. Fewer than 1 in 100 women has an overactive thyroid in pregnancy. Graves disease is a problem with the body’s immune system. Researchers believe it is caused by an antibody that triggers the thyroid gland to make too much thyroid hormone.

 

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