July is Graves’ Disease Awareness Month, which makes it the perfect time to shine a light on this autoimmune thyroid condition. Even though the thyroid is a small gland at the base of your neck, it has a big job — helping to regulate your metabolism, energy levels, temperature, mood, and more.
When something goes wrong with the thyroid, your whole body can feel it. And that’s definitely the case with Graves’ disease, where the immune system starts attacking the thyroid, causing it to go into overdrive.
Let’s break down what Graves’ disease is, how it shows up, what treatments are available, and how a more holistic, naturopathic approach can help support long-term healing.
So, What Exactly Is Graves’ Disease?
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune condition where your immune system mistakenly targets your thyroid gland. It produces antibodies (called thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins, or TSIs) that trick your thyroid into making too much thyroid hormone. This leads to hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid.
Common symptoms can either sneak up gradually or appear suddenly, and often get mistaken for things like stress or anxiety:
– Weight loss (without trying)
– Racing heart or heart palpitations
– Heat intolerance and excessive sweating
– Nervousness, irritability, and trouble sleeping
– Fatigue and muscle weakness
– Shaky hands
– Irregular periods
– Enlarged thyroid (goiter)
– Eye issues: including bulging, dryness, or irritation (called Graves’ ophthalmopathy)
Not everyone has all of these symptoms, but if you’re noticing a mix, it’s a good idea to check in with your doctor and get some labs done, especially TSH, free T4, free T3 and thyroid antibodies (TSI, TPO TG).
How Common Is Graves’ Disease?
Graves’ disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism, but that doesn’t mean it’s super common overall. In fact, it affects about 1 in 200 people in the U.S., or roughly 0.5% of the population. So while it’s the leading reason someone might have an overactive thyroid, the condition itself is still relatively rare.
It’s also much more common in women than men as women are about 7 to 8 times more likely to be diagnosed. Most people start to notice symptoms between their 30s and 50s, but it can develop at any age.
Who’s at Risk?
Like most autoimmune conditions, Graves’ disease tends to have multiple contributing factors including your genes, environment, and lifestyle. Here are some things that may increase your risk:
– Family history of thyroid or autoimmune issues
– Being female
– Smoking (especially increases risk for the eye symptoms)
– Chronic stress or trauma
– Recent infections
– Pregnancy or postpartum hormonal shifts
Graves’ and Hashimoto’s: Opposites… That Sometimes Overlap
Graves’ disease causes the thyroid to become overactive. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, another autoimmune condition, causes it to slow down, leading to hypothyroidism. They seem like complete opposites, but interestingly, they can sometimes coexist or even flip-flop in the same person over time.
This is rare, but important to know. Some people start with hyperthyroidism and then develop hypothyroidism later (either naturally or due to treatment). Others with Hashimoto’s might go through short periods of hyperthyroid symptoms (called Hashitoxicosis) before their thyroid slows down again.
If you’re unsure why you just can’t seem to get your thyroid medication dose right or your symptoms change often, ask your doctor for a more thorough evaluation (most likely adding antibody tests that haven’t yet been run).
Conventional Treatment Options
There are three main medical treatments for Graves’ disease. Each has its pros and cons:
1. Anti-Thyroid Medications
Drugs like methimazole or PTU (propylthiouracil) help reduce the amount of thyroid hormone your body makes. These are often used short-term but can sometimes be continued long-term. They work well for many people, but can have side effects like rashes, liver issues, or lowered white blood cells.
2. Radioactive Iodine (RAI)
RAI treatment uses a small dose of radioactive iodine to permanently damage the overactive thyroid cells. This usually leads to hypothyroidism meaning you’ll need to take thyroid hormone (like levothyroxine) for life. RAI isn’t recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding people and may worsen eye symptoms.
3. Surgery
Surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid (called a thyroidectomy) is another option, especially if medications or RAI aren’t working or aren’t appropriate. Like RAI, it usually results in needing lifelong hormone replacement.
These treatments are focused on managing symptoms and reducing hormone levels, but they don’t target the root cause, the autoimmune dysfunction itself. That’s where a naturopathic or integrative approach can really help.
How Naturopathic Medicine Can Help
A naturopathic approach looks at the bigger picture, not just the thyroid levels, but also the immune system, inflammation, gut health, stress response, and overall lifestyle. The goal isn’t just symptom relief but restoring balance and supporting long-term healing.
Herbs for Thyroid and Nervous System Support. These herbs are best used under supervision of a licensed professional.
– Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis): A calming herb that may help gently slow thyroid activity and reduce antibody levels.
– Stoneseed (Lithospermum officinale): Blocks thyroid hormone production and Grave’s antibody production.
– Bugleweed (Lycopus virginicus): Traditionally used for mild hyperthyroidism. It helps relax the heart and decrease thyroid hormone production.
– Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca): Useful for the symptoms of Grave’s disease, like heart palpitations, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm.
2. Nutrition and Inflammation
– Anti-inflammatory diet: Vegetables, healthy fats, lean protein, fiber. Avoid processed foods and sugar.
– Iodine caution: Too much iodine can worsen hyperthyroidism.
– Key nutrients: Selenium, Vitamin D, Magnesium, B vitamins
3. Stress and Immune Modulation
– Relaxing adaptogens (like Reishi mushroom) and adrenal support
– Mind-body practices: Meditation, yoga, breathwork, nature
– Good sleep hygiene: Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep
You’re Not Alone: Awareness is Empowerment
Graves’ disease can be overwhelming at first, but with the right tools, support, and treatment plan, most people feel much better over time. Whether you choose conventional medicine, naturopathic care, or a combination of both, the goal is to help you feel like you again.
This Graves’ Disease Awareness Month, let’s continue to spread the word, support those who are navigating it, and encourage a more holistic conversation around thyroid health.
