Essay about Social: Autoimmune Disease

Submitted By zanderson2
Words: 325
Pages: 2

Graves' disease is an immune system disorder that results in the overproduction of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism). It is caused by a dysfunction in the body’s disease-fighting immune system. The disease is rarely life-threatening and it can affect anyone, but it is prevalent mostly among women under the age of 40.
A healthy immune system works by producing antibodies to attack or remove pathogens, which are the harmful organisms like bacteria, viruses, parasites, cancer cells and fungi that regularly enter our body. An autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system starts to attack good tissue or parts of the body that are needed for good health.
In Graves’ disease, the body produces an antibody that binds to the surface of thyroid cells which results in the overproduction of thyroid hormones.
The thyroid plays a key role in regulating our metabolic heart rate. The thyroid gland is located in the neck and it produces hormones which help to regulate growth and the rate of chemical reactions by which the body uses energy. Overproduction of the thyroids hormones aggravates the body in numerous ways.
Symptoms of grave’s disease include enlargement of the thyroid gland, change in menstrual cycles, erectile dysfunction, weight loss, sensitivity to heat, frequent bowel movements, rapid or irregular heartbeat, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, irritability and anxiety.
Often times, people who develop Graves’ disease also show signs of a condition called