Hyperthyroidism (Graves Disease)
Endocrine · ~6% of blueprint- Pathophysiology
- TSH-receptor–stimulating antibodies drive excess thyroid hormone production.
- Signs & Symptoms
- Weight loss, heat intolerance, palpitations, tremor, anxiety; exophthalmos & pretibial myxedema (Graves).
- Gold Standard Diagnosis
- ↓ TSH with ↑ free T4/T3; diffuse ↑ radioactive iodine uptake; TSI antibodies.
- First-line Treatment
- Methimazole (first-line) ± beta-blocker; radioiodine ablation or surgery; PTU in the 1st trimester.
High-Yield Pearl
Methimazole is first-line except in the 1st trimester (use PTU) — methimazole is teratogenic early.
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Gross Anatomy
Immunology & Genetics
Physiology
Sources
Reviewed September 2026- 2016 American Thyroid Association Guidelines for Diagnosis and Management of Hyperthyroidism and Other Causes of Thyrotoxicosis — American Thyroid Association, 2016
- StatPearls: Graves Disease — StatPearls Publishing, 2026
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