epidemiology
Last reviewed 08/2021
- Graves' disease is the commonest cause of hyperthyroidism
- females affected more than males in the ratio 5:1
- peak incidence from 30-50 years of age
- may affect 2 to 5% of all females at some time
- association with HLA B8 and HLA DR3 in caucasians
- there is some evidence that significant life events, for example, divorce or bereavement, may precipitate the development of Graves' disease
- there is an association with smoking