What are the risk factors for developing Graves’ disease?
Graves is an autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid gland most often. There are several factors that can increase your risk for Graves Disease. These include: (5)
Gender
Graves Disease is more common in women and younger people. It is not known why women are more affected, but statistics show they are three times more likely than men to develop this disease.
Age
The condition is most common in people aged between 20 and 40. The majority of Graves cases are found in those over 50 years old. Although the cause of this association is unknown, older adults are more likely to develop Graves due to changes to their immune system.
Family History
You are more likely to develop Graves Disease if you have a first-degree relative with the disease. You are more likely to develop Graves’ disease if you have a family member with the disorder. If you have more than one family member with the disorder, your risk increases.
Smoking
Graves Disease is associated with smoking (chain smoking). Recent research published in “Rheumatology”, has revealed that smoking is one of the major factors for developing Graves disease. In a study of over 2,000 graves patients, it was found that smokers are almost twice as likely as non-smokers to develop the disease. The study also revealed that family history is a significant risk factor. Those who have a relative with the disease are almost four times as likely to get it themselves.
This study is important because it highlights the importance of stopping smoking if your family has a history of graves’ disease. This autoimmune disease can lead to a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, weight gain and muscle weakness. There is no cure for this disorder, but there are treatment options that can control the symptoms.
Stress
Graves’ disease may be influenced by stress. Stress can cause the release of adrenaline and cortisol hormones, which can result in an overproduction of thyroid hormones. Stress can also weaken the immunity, increasing susceptibility to autoimmune diseases like Graves’ disease.
Pregnancy
Women are more susceptible to Graves Disease than men. Pregnant women are even at a higher risk. The changes in the body of a pregnant woman can increase her risk of Graves Disease. These changes may cause the immune system malfunction, causing it to mistakenly attack thyroid glands. Graves Disease is more common in women with a family history.
Graves Disease is not curable, but can be managed with medication and surgery. Graves can cause serious health problems in pregnant women. These include heart failure and even death. Doctors should closely monitor pregnant women with Graves Disease to ensure they get timely treatment in the event their condition worsens.
