Signs of Graves disease

Description

An autoimmune disorder that causes the thyroid gland to produce too much thyroid hormone (thyroxine). Over production of thyroxine is called hyperthyroidism and Graves disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. Graves disease occurs when the body produces antibodies that attack the thyroid gland causing it to enlarge (goiter) and overproduce the thyroid hormone. The disorder is more common in women. The majority of the symptoms experienced are the result of the hyperthyroidism. Graves disease also causes swelling of the eye muscles and the characteristic protruding of the eyes.

Symptoms

Anxiety, breast enlargement in men, difficulty concentrating, double vision, protrusion of the eyes, eye irritation and tearing, fatigue, frequent bowel movements, goiter, heat intolerance, increased appetite, increased sweating, insomnia, menstrual irregularities in women, muscle weakness, nervousness, racing heart.

Tests

A history and physical will be done. Blood tests will be done to make the diagnosis.

Treatment

There is no cure for Graves disease and therapy is aimed at reducing the amount of thyroid hormone (thyroxine), and blocking its actions. Medications include: beta-blockers to reduce the symptoms of racing heart, sweating and anxiety, and antithyroid medications (propylthiouracil/PTU, methimazole/Tapazole) to reduce the amount of thyroxine. Definitive treatment involves either destruction of the over active thyroid with radioactive iodine or surgical removal of the thyroid gland.