Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism, meaning the thyroid gland produces more hormones than normal. It is one of the most common causes of hyperthyroidism, especially in women. Symptoms: • Weight loss despite increased appetite • Rapid or irregular heartbeat • Nervousness and irritability • Excessive sweating • Tremors in the hands • Difficulty sleeping • Enlargement of the thyroid gland (can be seen or felt in the neck) • Bulging eyes (a distinctive symptom in some cases, known as Graves’ ophthalmopathy) Causes: The immune system attacks the thyroid gland by producing antibodies that stimulate it to produce excessive amounts of hormones. Treatment: • Anti-thyroid medications such as methimazole • Radioactive iodine to destroy part of the thyroid gland • Surgery to remove the thyroid gland in some cases • Medications to control symptoms, such as beta blockers Mohamed Jasim Al-Mustaqbal University The First University in Iraq.