What Are The Risk Factors For Developing Graves’ Disease?
Graves disease is an autoimmune disorder that most commonly affects the thyroid gland. While the cause of Graves disease is unknown, there are a number of factors that may increase your risk of developing the condition. These include: (5)
Gender
Graves disease develops more often in women than men and is more likely to affect younger people. There is no known cause why it affects women more, but statistics show that women are thrice more likely to get this condition than men.
Age
The condition typically affects people between the ages of 20 and 40. Studies have shown that the incidence of Graves disease increases with age, with the majority of cases occurring in people over the age of 50. While the reason for this association is not clear, it is thought that older adults may be more susceptible to Graves disease due to changes in their immune system as they age.
Family history
If you have a close (first degree) family member with Graves disease, you are at increased risk of developing the condition yourself. If you have a relative who has Graves disease, you are at increased risk for developing the condition yourself. The risk is even higher if more than one relative has the disorder.
Smoking
Smoking (chain smoking) has been linked to an increased risk of Graves disease. A recent study published in the journal “Rheumatology” has shown that smoking is a major risk factor for developing graves disease. The study, which looked at over 2,000 patients with graves disease, found that smokers were almost twice as likely to develop the condition as non-smokers. Family history was also found to be a major risk factor, with those who had a relative with graves disease being almost four times more likely to develop the condition themselves.
The findings of this study are important, as they highlight the importance of quitting smoking if you have a family history of graves disease. It is an autoimmune disorder that can cause a range of symptoms including weight gain, fatigue and muscle weakness. While there is no cure, treatment options are available that can help control symptoms.
Stress
Stress may play a role in the development of Graves disease. It can trigger the release of hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, which can lead to the overproduction of thyroid hormones. Additionally, stress can weaken the immune system, making people more susceptible to autoimmune disorders like Graves disease.
Pregnancy
Women are more likely to develop Graves disease than men, and pregnant women are at an even higher risk. Pregnancy can increase the risk of developing Graves Disease because of the changes that occur in a woman’s body during pregnancy. These changes can cause the immune system to malfunction and mistakenly attack the thyroid gland. Graves Disease may also be more likely to develop in women who have a family history of the disorder.
There is no cure for Graves disease, but it can be treated with medication and surgery. Left untreated, Graves disease can lead to serious health complications in pregnant women, including heart failure and death. Pregnant women with Graves disease should be closely monitored by their doctor to ensure that they receive timely treatment if their condition worsens.