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Introduction to Graves' Disease
Risk Factors for Graves' Disease
There is limited substantial information regarding risk factors for Graves' disease (GD). The following are believed to be risk factors for the development of Graves' disease:
Female gender - Women are 5-8 times more likely to develop Graves' disease than men.
Age 20 and above
Stress - The onset of Graves' disease sometimes follows a significant life-altering event, (e.g., divorce, job loss, or death of a loved one).
Post-partum period
Genetic predisposition - having family members with a history of Graves' disease, other thyroid conditions, or autoimmune disorders
Smoking - this elevates the risk for Graves' ophthalmopathy
