Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder and a common cause of hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid gland. A person suffering from Graves' disease has a thyroid that produces too many hormones. These hormones affect different bodily functions and parts of the body, so Graves' disease symptoms are diverse.
Graves' disease is usually not life-threatening and is easy to treat. Getting control of Graves' can be simple, yet it will greatly improve quality of life and general well-being. Easy to treat and spot, Graves' can go into remission and become a non-issue. If the disease is left untreated, however, Graves' disease symptoms can get worse and cause serious health complications.
Treatment usually involves stopping the overproduction of the thyroid hormones with prescription medication.
Symptoms of Graves' Disease
Because the thyroid affects so many different bodily functions, Graves' disease causes a very diverse set of symptoms.
Irritability, anxiety, trouble sleeping or restlessness, fatigue or drowsiness might be signs of Graves'. On a related note, muscle weakness or tiredness are also signs of the disease.
Those with early signs of the disease often have irregular or rapid heartbeat and a slight tremor in the fingers or hands. Excess perspiration, moist skin and heat sensitivity may be apparent. You may find that you have thinning hair or thinning of the skin.
Have you been eating regularly and still lose weight? These are also Graves' disease symptoms. Also, you may find that you have an increased appetite. This gland is in charge of producing two important hormones: T3 and T4. These hormones help regulate how fast your heart beats as well as your metabolism -- how fast you burn calories.
Those with Graves' also tend to show an enlarged thyroid gland. The thyroid is a small gland found in the neck, at the base.
Sexually related Graves' symptoms include changes in the menstrual cycle or erectile dysfunction. Men and women may find that they have a reduced libido or reduction in sexual desire. Men may exhibit breast enlargement.
Older folks may exhibit symptoms such as irregular heartbeat, chest pain, fatigue and weakness, and memory loss.
Finally, Graves' may show itself in the form of diarrhea or overly frequent bowel movements.
Keep an Eye Out
A common symptom of Graves' Disease is Graves' opthalmopathy. The signs of Graves' opthalmopathy include excessive tearing, dry or irritated eyes, bulging eyes (or exophthalmos), a gritty sensation in the eyes, pain or pressure, puffy or swollen eyelids, redness or inflammation, sensitivity to light, double vision and a reduction in eye movement. In very rare cases, Graves' opthalmopathy may result in blurred vision and ulcers of the cornea.
In severe cases, Graves' opthalmopathy can cause swelling of the eye muscles that cause pressure on the optic nerve. This can result in vision loss or double vision.
Even though an overactive thyroid causes the disease, it's important to note that the hormones that are in control of the eyes are not the same as those that cause reactions in other parts of your body. There are cases in which people are diagnosed with Graves' opthalmopathy but do not have Graves' disease. This occurs in approximately 10 percent of cases.
Uncommon Symptoms
In some rare cases, Graves' disease results in Graves' dermopathy, which causes skin to become thick and reddened. This most commonly occurs on the tops of feet or shins but can be present on the shoulders, upper back, hands and arms. Although Graves' dermopathy shows up in less than 5 percent of Graves' cases, it is interesting to highlight that up to 15 percent of Graves' opthalmopathy patients are diagnosed with Graves' dermopathy. This symptom usually happens later in the disease's progression and doesn't show until several other signs have become present.
A Young Women's Disease?
We can't predict who will get Graves', but the research has shown that age, sex and genetics play a role. Graves' disease is present in women nearly 10 times more than men. Also, it generally shows itself before the age of 40. Most of the time, women are affected between the ages of 30 and 60, and the risk generally increases if there is any genetic history of the disease in the family.
Doubling Up Your Risk
Those who already have autoimmune diseases are more at risk for Graves' disease. Other ailments associated with Graves' disease include rheumatoid arthritis, vitiligo -- a pigmentation disorder -- and Type 1 diabetes.
Get On Your Graves' Detection Now
Often, Graves' disease doesn't get a ton of attention from medical professionals. This is probably because it is so easy to treat and is rarely life-threatening. However, when left untreated, Graves' complications can be serious and sometimes fatal. These complications include wasting of the bone or muscle, heart problems, and a very serious, life-threatening condition called thyroid storm. People with Graves' can go through fairly extreme physical and emotional highs and lows caused by unregulated thyroid hormones. Symptoms of Graves' can cause strain on relationships and families and can be very difficult for the person suffering from them.
If you feel you might be experiencing signs or symptoms of Graves', check with your doctor and get the appropriate tests. The sooner you get treatment, the sooner you'll feel better.