Health Tip: Things That Could Cause Graves' Disease

Factors that may play a role

June 4, 2010 RSS Feed Print

(HealthDay News) -- Graves' disease occurs when the body's immune system causes the thyroid gland to produce more of a certain hormone than the body can use.

Symptoms may include an enlarged thyroid, insomnia, nervousness, a sensitivity to heat, and uncontrolled hand movement. Some people with the disease have swollen eyes.

The National Women's Health Information Center says the following factors may contribute to Graves' disease:

Having a family history (genetic predisposition).
Being a woman and producing female hormones.
Experiencing extreme emotional stress or significant trauma may help trigger the disease in people who are prone to it.
Being pregnant, which affects the thyroid.
Having an infection.