The thyroid, a small butterfly-shaped gland in the crook of the neck, regulates the body’s energy level. Graves disease is a thyroid disorder in which too much thyroid hormone is produced, resulting in a metabolism that is too fast. The cause is unclear; however, certain risk factors are known to increase the chance for developing this disorder, reports MayoClinic.com
Family History of Thyroid Disorders
Often, people with Graves disease have family members with thyroid disease or other immune system disorders, reports the Office on Women’s Health, Department of Health and Human Services. A similar genetic defect may be the cause.
Being Female
Women are seven to 10 times more likely to get Graves disease than men, estimates the MayoClinic.com and the Office on Women’s Health. Experts theorize that female hormones may be a reason for their higher risk
Pregnancy
Research has found that up to 30 percent of women who develop Graves disease were pregnant in the previous year, reports the Office on Women’s Health. In some women, the hormonal changes of pregnancy, which are known to trigger underactive thyroid, may precipitate Grave disease, as well.
Smoking
People who smoke have a higher risk for Graves disease, reports MayoClinic.com.
Stress, Infection
Experts theorize that stress or infection may act as triggers for the onset of Graves disease in people who already have a genetic predisposition for it, reports the Office on Women’s Health.
