Engage your students with a detailed, real-world case study about a young woman diagnosed with Graves’ disease. This activity introduces students to the endocrine system, focusing on the thyroid and pituitary glands. Learn about the autoimmune processes behind Graves’ disease.
The story begins with a college student that is experiencing fatigue, heart palpitations, and weight loss. I try to make case studies about younger people, mainly because I think my high school students can identify with them. Greta, the college student, eventually goes to the doctor. A preliminary exam reveals that she has exophthalmos (bulging eyes) and a goiter, which is an enlarged thyroid gland.
The doctor orders several blood tests to measure Greta’s hormone levels. He finds that her T3 and T4 levels are elevated, but the TSH levels are low. Finally, Greta undergoes a radioactive iodine uptake test which confirms the doctor’s suspicion that she has Graves disease.
The Endocrine System
In part two, the case focuses on the anatomy and physiology of the endocrine system. Students learn about the relationship between the pituitary and thyroid glands. They will also learn how antibodies of her own immune system interfere with the function of the thyroid gland. As a result, the thyroid produces excessive amounts of T3 and T4, which cause her symptoms.
The final section of the case study explores treatment options such as beta-blockers and radioactive iodine therapy. They will also discover that these treatments will interfere with the thyroid’s normal functions, and will cause hypothyroidism. Greta will need to take hormone replacement.
Included in this section, is a summary news article about Daisy Ridley, who was diagnosed with Graves disease in 2024.
Students answer questions as they read Greta’s story. They also complete an infographic that outlines the symptoms of the disease. I use this activity as part of a larger unit on the endocrine system.
Related Resources on the Endocrine System
Feedback Loops and the Endocrine System
Insulin and Glucagon – Exploring Homeostasis
Unit Resources on the Endocrine System
Endocrine System Slides and Notes
Case Study – What’s Wrong with Timothy?
