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Graves' Disease


About this topic


Your thyroid gland is in the front of your neck. This gland helps control how the body uses energy. The thyroid gland also makes hormones. These hormones affect metabolism and brain development. They also affect your breathing and how your heart beats. All of your nervous system functions are affected. Your body temperature, muscle strength, and weight are all affected by these hormones. So are skin dryness, menstrual cycles, weight, and cholesterol levels. Your thyroid knows how much of the hormones to make based on some other hormone. It is the thyroid stimulating hormone or TSH. ‚  
Graves disease is known as an overactive or hyperactive thyroid. With this illness, the body attacks its own cells and acts like TSH. This causes the thyroid to make too much thyroid hormones. ‚  

What are the causes?


Your body begins to attack the thyroid. This causes it to make too much thyroid hormones. ‚  

What can make this more likely to happen?


Graves disease is often found in families. It is more common in women between 20 and 40 years old. Your risk is higher if you have other problems with your immune system. Pregnancy, having a baby, and smoking may all raise your risk. Emotional or physical stress may set off the start of Graves' disease. ‚  

What are the main signs?


  • Very nervous, irritable, hyperactive, and have problems focusing
  • Trouble sleeping and being tired
  • Abnormal heartbeat
  • Shaking of the hands or fingers
  • Skin may be warm, moist, sweaty, and sensitive to heat
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Enlarged thyroid gland or goiter
  • Changes in menstrual patterns
  • Problem with erection
  • Lowered interest in sex
  • Changes in bowel patterns or having bowel movements more often
  • Bulging eyes which are known as Graves ophthalmopathy
  • The shins or tops of the feet become thick and red

How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?


The doctor may do an exam and take your history. The doctor may order tests to learn more about how your thyroid is working. The doctor may order: ‚  
  • Blood tests
  • Radioactive iodine reuptake ¢ ˆ ’ You will get a small amount of radioactive iodine. The amount of it in your thyroid gland will be measured with a special camera.
  • CT scan of your eyes

How does the doctor treat this health problem?


The doctor may treat your condition with: ‚  
  • Drugs
  • Radioiodine therapy
  • Thyroid surgery

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Slow thyroid activity
  • Stop the thyroid gland from making more hormones
  • Help with signs like fast heartbeat, shaking, sweating, and agitation

Where can I learn more?


American Thyroid Association ‚  
http://www.thyroid.org/patients/patient_brochures/hyperthyroidism.html ‚  
National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Services ‚  
http://www.endocrine.niddk.nih.gov/pubs/graves/ ‚  
NHS Choices ‚  
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Thyroid-over-active/Pages/Introduction.aspx ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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