Graves’ Disease: A Practical Guide

Graves’ Disease is a disease of the thyroid system. It forms part of a larger group of disorders including Sjogens syndrome, Lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis. Current theories suggest that it is caused by the auto‐immune system attacking the thyroid gland. There is no known cure, but the disorder can usually be controlled by drug or radioactive iodine treatment of the thyroid itself. In a considerable proportion of cases the disorder clears up spontaneously. In others it waxes and wanes through life. It is not normally life‐threatening, but is very unpleasant for sufferers. It is clear that there is a strong...