Even when someone with an autoimmune disease like Graves disease doesn't feel sick anymore, their body is still accidentally attacking itself — it doesn't just turn off.

Graves disease is when the body keeps making harmful antibodies that attack the thyroid, even when the person feels better and doesn't have symptoms anymore.

Some people with Graves disease, an autoimmune condition that makes the thyroid overproduce hormones, can suddenly stop needing medication because their thyroid starts working normally again—even though their immune system is still attacking it.

If someone has an underactive thyroid and signs of an overactive immune system — especially bulging eyes — doctors should still think about Graves’ disease, even if the thyroid isn’t overactive.

Autoimmune diseases like Graves’ disease happen when your genes, things in your environment (like infections or chemicals), and a 'leaky gut' all work together to accidentally turn your immune system against your body.

Some people with Graves disease, an autoimmune condition that makes the thyroid produce too much hormone, can get better on their own without taking medication—their hormone levels return to normal and symptoms disappear.