Vanderbilt Williamson

Graves Disease

Graves Disease is an immune system disorder. It is caused by an overactive thyroid gland. The thyroid gland controls your body’s metabolism. Your metabolism regulates your weight, mood, mental and physical energy.

This disease affects about 10 million people. It is most common in middle aged women. No one knows what causes Graves’ Disease. The condition is rarely life threatening.

Complications
Graves’ Disease responds well to treatment. But complications are possible. Complications may include heart problems, brittle bones and a thryoid crisis.

A thryoid crisis happens with a sudden worsening of symptoms requiring immediate medical care. Incorrect doses of medication after surgery or iodine treatment may result in depression, weight gain and sluggishness.

Symptoms

• Shortness of breath
• Unexplained weight loss
• Brittle hair
• Fatigue
• Nervousness and irritability
• Tremors
• Rapid heartbeat
• Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)
• Increased sweating
• Increased appetite
• Bulging eyeballs
• Blurred or double vision
• Frequent bowel movements
• Sleep problems
• Sensitivity to heat

Treatment

Treatment is determined by your doctor, usually an endocrinologist. Your doctor will take a blood sample to detemine if you have Graves’. It cannot be cured. However, signs and symptoms can be controlled. It is treated with either:

• antithryoid medications,
• radioactive iodine, or
• surgery.

With radioactive iodine or surgery, the thyroid gland is either removed or destroyed. You will then have to take replacement thyroid hormones for the rest of your life.