Grave's Disease / Diffuse Toxic Goiter /Hyperthyroid goiter

Characteristics of Grave's Disease

Autoimmune stimulation of thyroid gland - antibodies against TSH receptors (TRabs) on thyroid follicular cell; binding to TSHR continuously activates the receptors in the absence of TSH, diffusely increasing follicular cell and follicle size and reproduction rate, leading to diffuse gland enlargement

High T4 and T3 levels

Low TSH levels - as pituitary feedback compensates for high T4 / T3 by reducing its TSH secretion; this is the most sensitive measurement and the first obvious test for Grave's.

Causes hyperthyroidism  - excess TH secretion can also lead to Thyrotoxicosis

Diffuse goiter usually present - slight or several times larger than normal

Immune system lymphocyte presence

Graves Opthalmopathy in ~25% of cases -  - some people have bulging eyes (Exopthalmos), eyelid retraction, inflammation in tissue surrounding eyes, double vision and sometimes even vision loss; may take years to heal;

Spontaneous remission of hyperthyroidism in 30-40% of cases

Pretibial myxedema in ~2% of cases - thickening skin with edema, painless lumps on lower legs

Risk factors

4-6 fold occurence in women - compared to men

Most often occurs in young, middle-aged adults - but can affect any age

Genetic -  increased risk in those with  HLA-B8 allele.

Alternative Treatments

Low Dose Naltrexone could benefit some Grave's cases - an interesting therapy against autoimmune diseases

LDN

High dose iodine to satisfy whole body sufficiency - Dr. Guy Abraham, MD, is foremost in the field with other medically qualified researchers into iodine supplementation for many thyroid disorders.

Iodine Supplementation for whole body sufficiency