Graves’ Disease is an auto-immune condition of the Thyroid, a small butterfly shaped gland in your neck. This particular gland controls your body’s metabolism, the process by which your body converts what you eat and drink into energy. In Graves’ Disease, the immune system attacks the Thyroid improperly, creating more Thyroid hormones than you need. This is called HyperThyroidism.
Graves’ Disease patients may have a high heart rate, anxiety, heat sensitivity, excessive sweating, weight loss and changes in menstruation cycles. Another noticeable symptom is bulging eyes (Graves' ophthalmopathy), caused by swollen eye tissues.
Graves’ Disease is more prevalent among females and generally occurs around the age of 30 to 50 years. It may also run in families, indicating a genetic link. Stress and smoking can increase the risk of developing this condition. Understanding the symptoms and seeking prompt therapy is essential to manage the disease and maintain a good quality of life.
Graves’ Disease is brought on by the immune system malfunctioning and attacking the Thyroid gland, causing an excessive production of Thyroid hormones. Understanding what triggers this autoimmune response is essential for those at risk and for managing the condition successfully.
The typical causes and risk factors of Graves’ Disease include:
Genetic Predisposition: Family history plays a major role. Your odds of developing this condition are higher if close family members previously had Graves’ Disease or other autoimmune disorders.
Gender & Age: Females are at a greater risk compared to men for Graves’ Disease throughout puberty. The disease affects those in the age group of 30 to 50 years most commonly.
Other Autoimmune Diseases: Any other autoimmune condition like rheumatoid arthritis, type one diabetes, or lupus may raise the chance of Graves’ Disease.
Pregnancy: In many females who have a genetic predisposition, hormonal changes during and after pregnancy could lead to Graves’ Disease.
Smoking: Tobacco use affects the immune system, and has been linked to Graves' ophthalmopathy, the eye disorder associated with Graves’ Disease.
Stress & Emotional Trauma: Sometimes, major stress or emotional turmoil triggers the onset of autoimmune conditions such as Graves’ Disease.
Infections: Even a bacterial or viral infection could trigger Graves’ Disease by activating the immune system, which makes it attack the Thyroid gland.
Graves’ Disease causes an overactive Thyroid gland that speeds up various bodily functions and disturbs normal activity. Recognising the signs and symptoms of this condition can help you seek timely medical treatment and advice.
The most noticeable signs and symptoms of Graves’ Disease are:
One of the early signs of Graves’ Disease is an irregular or rapid heartbeat. This can make it seem as if your heart is racing even during restful sleep.
Despite a normal or elevated appetite, unexpected weight loss is common due to accelerated metabolism from excess Thyroid hormones.
Individuals with Graves’ Disease might feel anxious or nervous for no reason at all.
Although energy levels are initially higher in this condition, as time passes, the chronic overstimulation can cause deep exhaustion and weakness, particularly in the upper thighs and arms.
Those affected with the condition may show intolerance to heat and sweat more than usual.
The skin on the shins becomes thick, red and swollen, a rare symptom of the disease.
Women may have lighter or less frequent periods.
Men might face erectile dysfunction or reduced sexual desire.
This involves bulging eyes, irritation, puffiness around the eyes, light sensitivity and sometimes double vision - a characteristic symptom of Graves’ Disease.
A fine shaking may occur, especially in the hands and fingers.
Jiva Ayurveda offers holistic Ayurvedic treatment of Graves’ Disease using evidence-based Ayurveda. The treatment plans are customised to target the very root causes of the disease, and instead of just treating symptoms, they focus on holistic healing, balance and stability in totality.
Personalised Ayurvedic Medicines: Herbal blends formulated to balance the body’s energies and eliminate the root-cause.
Yoga, Meditation & Mindfulness-Practices: These calming activities promote mental health and overall feeling of wellness.
Ayurvedic Therapies: Therapies like Panchakarma, Shirodhara, Abhyanga etc are included in treatment to purify the body and help balance emotional health.
Diet & Lifestyle Recommendations: Expert advice on adjusting your eating and lifestyle choices to support better health outcomes.
Ayurvedic medicine offers natural remedies for Graves’ Disease by correcting imbalances in the body’s energy systems (Vata and Pitta doshas). These remedies aim to restore harmony and support the body’s natural process of healing. Here are some effective Ayurvedic treatments and herbs for Graves’ Disease:
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): It is an adaptogenic herb that balances hormones and calms the nervous system. It is especially helpful for reducing stress and anxiety, which can make the symptoms of Graves’ Disease even worse.
Kanchanar Guggulu: This traditional formula controls Thyroid function by modulating Thyroid hormone synthesis. It is sometimes used for treating Hyperthyroid problems and to decrease the size of the Thyroid gland when it gets enlarged.
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus): Known for its cooling properties, Shatavari effectively soothes the Pitta dosha. It also provides support for vitality and strength which are affected in hyperThyroid conditions.
Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa): This herb reduces fluid retention and swelling, which helps control the symptoms of Graves' ophthalmopathy (Graves’ Disease associated eye condition).
Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi): This herbal root has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It helps calm the mind and stabilise mood swings related to hormonal imbalances.
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri): Brahmi is often used to improve cognitive function as well as stress and anxiety relief. It helps with mental fog and poor focus resulting from Graves’ Disease.
Ayurvedic treatments help in controlling the symptoms of the disease and restore body balance, potentially leading to remission.
The diagnosis may be quick, with blood tests for Thyroid hormone levels and antibodies often completed in a few days.
Yes, diet plays a huge role. Foods that balance Thyroid function such as cruciferous vegetables and iodine-controlled diets may ease symptoms.
Gentle exercises such as yoga and walking are suggested to control stress, which do not put too much strain on the body.
Sometimes Graves’ Disease can spontaneously go into remission but symptoms often need medical or Ayurvedic management.
Yes, smoking can increase the risk and severity of Graves’ Disease (especially eye problems).
Untreated Graves’ Disease can cause fatal heart problems, osteoporosis and Thyroid storm.
Pregnancy may alter the Thyroid function, potentially worsening or sometimes alleviating Graves' disease symptoms temporarily.
Ayurveda uses methods like meditation, herbal treatments and yoga to manage stress, a leading cause of Graves' Disease.
TSH, T3, and T4 function tests and Thyroid antibody levels are recommended regularly to monitor disease progression and response to treatment.
