Autoimmune Diseases: A Serious Health Concern For All 20-Somethings

Graves Disease

Graves disease is an autoimmune condition that affects the thyroid, which is responsible for housing most of the body’s hormones. The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ in the neck that controls hormone flow to the blood. It affects metabolism, muscle control, heart and digestive functions, bone maintenance, reproductive health, and brain development. Symptoms may include anxiety, depression, difficulty concentrating, fluctuation in weight, appetite changes, insomnia, muscle weakness, tremors, nervousness, rapid or irregular heartbeat, reproductive impairment, and irregular periods (in females).

When To Seek Help

Contact a doctor immediately if any unusual or unexplained symptoms occur. A physician will be able to determine what the cause is by performing certain tests. Tell a doctor if there is a family history of autoimmunity as this may increase the risk of developing a condition. A doctor should be able to advise how to avoid developing autoimmunity in the future, such as getting enough sleep at night, eating a healthy diet, avoiding smoking and excessive drinking, exercising regularity and finding healthy ways to deal with stress.