Graves' Disease

Overview

Graves' disease, the most common form of hyperthyroidism in the United States, is an autoimmune disorder caused by an overactive thyroid gland, which secretes more thyroid hormones than your body needs. If you have Graves' disease, your immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland — and sometimes the tissue behind your eyes or the skin on your lower legs.

Why choose Mayo Clinic

• Experience. For more than 100 years, Mayo Clinic has been researching and treating Graves' disease and its associated eye-related changes, called Graves' ophthalmopathy, as well as specializing in thyroid surgery, one of its treatment options.
• Newest research. The tradition of innovation in treatment and research of thyroid disorders, including Graves' disease, continues today. Mayo Clinic has a research team dedicated to actively investigating the causes of Graves' disease and Graves' ophthalmopathy, and new potential treatments.
• Expertise. Mayo Clinic has a specialized endocrinology and ophthalmology team with expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of Graves' disease and Graves' ophthalmopathy.

Read more about Grave's disease at MayoClinic.com.