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by maryannerarick1 in Goiter Support Group "This is another autoimmune disease. In this case, the disease causes inflammation ofthe thyriod gland, which in turn, results in underproduction of thryiod hormones. Attempts by other hormones to stimulate the thryoid gland cause it to enlarge."Hits: 125
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by maryannerarick1 in Goiter Support Group "Other diseases and conditions can also cause a goiter. These include graves disease. What is Graves' Disease? Graves disease is a type of autoimmune disease that causes over-activity of the thyroid gland, causings hyperthyroidism. This over activity is also sometimes called "toxic diffuse goiter." The thyroid gland helps set the rate of metabolism, which is the rate at which the body uses energy. When the thyroid is too active, it makes more thyroid hormones than the body needs. High levels of thyroid hormones can cause side effects such as weight less, rapid heart rate and nervousness. This is an uncommon disease that effects 2 percent of all women at some time in their lives. Graves disease also tends to affect women between the ages 20 and 40, although it occurs in infants, children, and the elderly. What is an autoimmune disease? An autoimmune disease occurs when the body's immune system becomes misdirected and attacks the very organs, cells, or tissues that it is supposed to protect. About 75% of autoimmune diseases occur in women, most often during childbearing years. "Hits: 113
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