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Graves' Disease
(ND004)

Introduction

Hyperthyroidism, also called thyrotoxicosis, results when the body's tissues are exposed to excessive levels of thyroid hormone. This condition can be caused by several different disorders. Graves' Disease (GD) is the most common form of hyperthyroidism in persons who are not taking thyroid hormones.

Graves' Disease is an autoimmune disorder, meaning that there is a defect in the immune system, causing production of immunoglobulins (antibodies) which stimulate and attack the thyroid gland, causing growth of the gland and overproduction of thyroid hormone. Antibodies also attack tissues in the eye muscles and in the skin on the front of the lower legs (tibial areas).

The choice of treatment modality is based on symptoms, individual preference, and the experience of the health care provider. Many of the treatment modalities for Graves' Disease render the thyroid gland non-functional and lifetime replacement of thyroid hormone by pill is required.

MediFocus Guides... When You Need Trustworthy Medical Information

The Medifocus Guide on Graves' Disease provides answers to the following important questions and medical issues:


What Your Doctor Reads:

This MediFocus Guide contains an extensive listing of citations and abstracts of recent journal articles that have been published about this condition in trustworthy medical journals. This is the same type of information that is available to physicians and other health care professionals. A partial selection of journal articles that are abstracted in this MediFocus Guide includes:


MediFocus Guides... When You Need Trustworthy Medical Information

MediFocus.com understands that consumers who are facing serious medical issues need access to credible, up-to-date medical information to help them make informed health-care decisions. That's why we've developed the MediFocus Guides...the most advanced and trustworthy patient research guides for over 200 chronic and life-threatening conditions. Each MediFocus Guide includes a detailed overview of the condition including information about diagnosis, treatment options, cutting-edge research, and new developments; excerpts of important journal articles from the current medical literature focusing on standard treatments and treatment options; a directory of leading authors and medical institutions who specialize in the treatment of the condition; and a listing of organizations and support groups where you can obtain additional information about the illness.

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