Graves disease
Last updated: 28 Nov. 2025
Reviewed by: Specialist doctors from the Elfcare quality team
Feeling like your heart is racing more than usual, or feeling restless and tired at the same time? It may be more than stress or a busy schedule. Many people experience symptoms linked to thyroid overactivity without realising it. One common cause is Graves disease, an autoimmune condition that affects how your thyroid works.
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What is Graves disease?
Graves disease is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly stimulates the thyroid gland to produce too much thyroid hormone. This condition is known as hyperthyroidism. The thyroid, a small butterfly-shaped gland in your neck, plays a vital role in regulating metabolism, energy levels and mood.
When thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) are too high, your body speeds up. This can affect your heart rate, sleep, digestion, emotional balance and energy levels.
Symptoms of Graves disease
Common graves disease symptoms may include:
Unexplained weight loss despite normal eating
Feeling anxious, irritable or “on edge”
Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Trembling hands or fingers
Increased sweating or heat sensitivity
Trouble sleeping or feeling wired at night
Fatigue or muscle weakness
More frequent bowel movements
Less common signs can involve eye irritation or puffiness (sometimes known as Graves’ eye changes) and changes in menstrual cycles.
Because these symptoms can overlap with stress, lifestyle changes or other health issues, it’s easy to overlook them.
What causes Graves disease?
Graves disease happens when the immune system produces antibodies that overstimulate the thyroid. The exact trigger is not always known, but several factors may increase the likelihood:
Family history of autoimmune conditions
High stress levels
Smoking
Hormonal changes (e.g., pregnancy, menopause)
Other autoimmune conditions
How is hypothyroidism detected?
Graves disease is typically identified through blood tests that assess thyroid function.
Key biomarkers include:
TSH
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone
Shows how the brain signals the thyroid. Low TSH can indicate an overactive thyroid.
Free T4
Thyroxine
Measures the main hormone released by the thyroid.
T3
Triiodothyronine
Indicates how active your thyroid hormones are in the body.
In some cases, a radioactive iodine uptake scan may be used to access thyroid activity and confirm the diagnosis. These results are interpreted together to form a picture of your thyroid activity.
Elfcare’s blood test package includes these key biomarkers as part of a broader analysis of 70+ health markers, helping you identify early imbalances before they affect your energy, sleep or focus. You can book our blood package here.
For a deeper view of your health, discover Elfcare’s Full-Body Health Check – a comprehensive assessment that combines MRI imaging, advanced blood testing, and personal consultations with specialist doctors for a complete overview of your health.
Why early detection matters
Thyroid imbalances often develop gradually. Small shifts in hormone levels can influence sleep, energy, mood and concentration long before symptoms become obvious.
When detected early, you can take supportive steps such as lifestyle adjustments, seeking medical advice or repeating tests to monitor trends.
Early insight helps you maintain balance, feel more in control of your energy and support your long-term wellness.
How Elfcare can help
Elfcare’s health checks include key thyroid biomarkers such as TSH, Free T4 and Free T3. Some plans also include thyroid antibodies to help detect early autoimmune activity like Graves disease.
We don’t diagnose or treat, but we empower you with clear insights you can review with your healthcare provider. Understanding your levels helps you take proactive steps before symptoms affect your daily life.
Summary
Graves disease is a common thyroid-related condition that can go unnoticed in its early stages. Many people experience mild symptoms without connecting them to their thyroid.
Regular testing can help you stay informed, understand your body and take control of your long-term wellbeing.
When you understand your body, you can make choices that support your energy, focus and long-term health.
Last updated: 28 Nov. 2025
Reviewed by: Specialist doctors from the quality team at Elfcare
FAQs
What is Graves disease?
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune condition that causes the thyroid gland to produce too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism). This accelerates your metabolism and can lead to symptoms such as anxiety, rapid heartbeat, weight loss, and trembling hands. It’s one of the most common causes of an overactive thyroid and affects women more often than men.
Common symptoms include unexplained weight loss, increased appetite, nervousness, irritability, rapid or irregular heartbeat, heat intolerance, sweating, and fatigue. Some people also experience eye-related symptoms — known as Graves’ ophthalmopathy — such as bulging eyes, dryness, or double vision.
What are common symptoms of Graves disease?
How is Graves disease diagnosed?
Diagnosis is made through blood tests that measure thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). High levels of thyroid hormones and low TSH suggest hyperthyroidism. The presence of specific antibodies (TRAb or TSI) confirms Graves’ disease. Imaging such as thyroid ultrasound or radioactive iodine uptake scans may also be used.
Can Graves’ disease be treated or managed?
Yes. Treatment options include antithyroid medications that reduce hormone production, radioactive iodine therapy to shrink the thyroid gland, or surgery in rare cases. Lifestyle adjustments and regular medical monitoring help maintain hormonal balance and prevent recurrence.