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    Graves Disease (hyperthyroidism, adjunctive support)

    Also known as: Graves disease, hyperthyroidism, overactive thyroid, thyrotoxicosis

    Graves disease is an autoimmune condition that speeds up the thyroid, causing weight loss, racing heart, tremor, anxiety and heat intolerance. Antithyroid medication, radioactive iodine or surgery are the proven treatments. Chinese medicine frames it as Liver Fire or Yin deficiency with Empty Heat, used only as adjunctive support alongside endocrine care.

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    Lifestyle & Diet

    • •Antithyroid medication controls the condition well for most people — take it exactly as prescribed.
    • •Report any sore throat or fever immediately while on antithyroid drugs (rare but serious blood side effect).
    • •Avoid iodine supplements, kelp and seaweed products.
    • •Quit smoking — it significantly worsens thyroid eye disease.

    Cautions & Contraindications

    See sources
    • •Never suggest Chinese medicine can replace antithyroid treatment — untreated hyperthyroidism strains the heart.[,]
    • •Avoid iodine-rich herbs and seaweeds in hyperthyroidism.[]

    When to reassess or seek care again

    See sources

    Supportive care only, coordinated with endocrinology. Track pulse, weight, sleep and eye symptoms. Confirm thyroid function monitoring is current; urgent review for eye changes or cardiac symptoms.

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    Sources & Further Reading

    Clinical guidance, red flags and safety notes on this page draw on the following current sources alongside the classical references above.

    1. Overactive thyroid — Healthdirect
      Healthdirect Australia · 2024
    2. Hyperthyroidism — NICE CKS
      NICE · 2023
    3. Thyroid eye disease — Australian Thyroid Foundation
      Australian Thyroid Foundation · 2024
    4. Chinese medicine practitioner safety standards
      AHPRA / Chinese Medicine Board of Australia · 2024

    Educational reference for licensed practitioners. Not a substitute for individual clinical assessment. Refer to conventional care for any red-flag or undiagnosed presentation.