Graves’ Disease
Description
The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland with the appearance of a butterfly that is often found in the lower front of the neck. The thyroid's function is to produce thyroid hormones, which aid in maintaining appropriate brain, heart, muscle, and other organ function as well as energy metabolism and body temperature.
Hyperthyroidism is a symptom of Graves' disease, an autoimmune condition that causes widespread overactivity of the entire thyroid gland. It affects women 7-8 times more often than it does males.
Symptoms
Common signs and symptoms of Graves' disease include :
- Anxiety and irritability
- A fine tremor of the hands or fingers
- Heat sensitivity and an increase in perspiration or warm, moist skin
- Weight loss, despite normal eating habits
- Enlargement of the thyroid gland (goiter)
- Change in menstrual cycles
- Erectile dysfunction or reduced libido
- Frequent bowel movements
- Bulging eyes (Graves' ophthalmopathy)
- Fatigue
- Thick, red skin usually on the shins or tops of the feet (Graves' dermopathy)
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
- Sleep disturbance
About 30% of Graves' disease sufferers exhibit some Graves ophthalmopathy symptoms. Muscles and other tissues around your eyes are impacted by inflammation and other immune system activities in Graves' ophthalmopathy. Some such symptoms and signs are :
- Bulging eyes
- Gritty sensation in the eyes
- Pressure or pain in the eyes
- Puffy or retracted eyelids
- Reddened or inflamed eyes
- Light sensitivity
- Double vision
- Vision loss
A rare Graves' disease symptom known as Graves' dermopathy is the thickening and reddening of the skin, most frequently on the tops of your feet or shins.
Book an appointment with your Diabetes and Endocrinology doctor if you experience any of these symptoms. If you experience heart-related signs and symptoms, such as a rapid or irregular heartbeat, or if you experience vision loss, get emergency care right away.
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View MoreCauses
Graves' disease and other autoimmune illnesses may have unknown origins. Your immune system overproduces an antibody in response to anything. termed thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI), which binds to healthy thyroid cells and stimulates the overproduction of thyroid hormones in your thyroid. Genetic predisposition and environmental triggers, such as :
- Stress
- Virus/infection
- Pregnancy
Diagnostics
- The best screening test for thyroid conditions is the ultrasensitive (third generation) thyrotropin assay.
- Thyroid blood tests : to determine the amount of thyroid hormone and thyroid-stimulating hormone in your blood (TSH)
- Blood tests for thyroid antibodies can help diagnose various autoimmune thyroid disorders.
- A differential complete blood count (CBC)
- Iodine uptake assays and radioactive iodine scanning : To distinguish between the several hyperthyroidism causes
- Doppler blood flow measurement (Doppler ultrasound) : if radioactive iodine scanning and iodine uptake measurements are not practical when pregnant or nursing.
Your Diabetes and Endocrinology doctor may order liver function test to monitor for liver toxicity due to antithyroid drugs.
Treatment
- Medications :
- Radioactive iodine treatment given orally
- Anti-thyroid drugs like methimazole and propylthiouracil
- Beta blockers such as Nadolol, Atenolol, Propranolol, and Metoprolol
For Graves' ophthalmopathy
- Corticosteroids
- Teprotumumab
- Prisms
- Orbital decompression surgery
- Orbital radiotherapy
- Surgery : to have your thyroid completely or partially removed (thyroidectomy or subtotal thyroidectomy)
- Lifestyle and home remedies :
- Eating well and exercising
- Easing stress
For Graves' ophthalmopathy
- Wear sunglasses
- Use lubricating eyedrops
- Apply cool compresses to your eyes
- Elevate the head of your bed
- Refrain from smoking
