What autoimmune disease is characterized by thyrotoxicosis?

Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that leads to thyrotoxicosis, which is a condition characterized by an excess of thyroid hormones in the bloodstream. This disease occurs due to the production of antibodies that overstimulate the thyroid gland, causing it to produce more thyroid hormones than the body needs. The increased levels of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) result in a hypermetabolic state, which explains the symptoms associated with thyrotoxicosis, such as weight loss, heat intolerance, increased appetite, and anxiety.

In contrast, Hashimoto's Thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition that typically leads to an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) rather than thyrotoxicosis. While thyroiditis also refers to inflammation of the thyroid, it can occur in various forms and does not specifically describe a situation of overproduction of thyroid hormones. Goiter refers to the enlargement of the thyroid gland and is not specific to any autoimmune activity or thyrotoxicosis; it can occur in both hyperthyroid and hypothyroid conditions.