Basic Understanding About Graves’ Disease

source: American Thyroid Association

What is the Thyroid Gland?
The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland that is located in the lower front of the neck. The thyroid makes thyroid hormones, which are secreted into the blood and then carried to every tissue in the body. Thyroid hormones help the body use energy, stay warm and keep the brain, heart, muscles, and other organs working appropriately. 

What is Graves’ Disease?
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disease that leads to a generalized overactivity of the entire thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism). It is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism in the United States. It is named after Robert Graves, an Irish physician, who described this form of hyperthyroidism about 150 years ago. It is 7-8 times more common in women than men.