Although Graves’ disease can affect anyone, it is more common in women and usually affects them before the age of 40. The ultimate goal for treatment is to stop the over production of the thyroid hormones.
Symptoms of Graves Disease
There are many symptoms to Graves ‘ disease and everyone’s body is different. You may or may not show all of the symptoms of the disorder.
Anxiety
Blurred or reduced vision (rare)
Bulging eyes
Change in menstrual cycle
Difficulty sleeping
Double vision
Dry, irritated eyes
Enlargement of thyroid glands, also called goiter
Erectile dysfunction or reduced libido
Excess tearing
Fatigue
Fine tremor of hands and fingers
Frequent bowel moments or diarrhea
Gritty sensation in the eyes
Irritability
Increase in perspiration or warm, moist skin
Light sensitivity
Limited eye movements, resulting in a fixed stare
Pressure or pain in the eyes
Puffy eyelids
Reddened or inflamed eyes
Thick, red skin on shins and top of the feet
Ulcers on the cornea (rare)
Weight loss, despite normal eating
If you experience any signs of heart problem, see your doctor immediately.
Causes of Graves’ Disease
The cause of Graves’ disease is a dysfunction of the immune system. Usually, the hormones that are produced in the body are regulated by the pituitary gland. However, in graves’ disease the body produces an antibody to a particular protein. This causes the thyroid receptor antibody (TRAb) to mimic the regulation that the pituitary gland typically controls. This causes the thyroid to over produce its hormone. This condition is known as hyperthyroidism.
Results of Hyperthyroidism
The thyroid can affect many organ systems in the body at the same time by using it’s hormone. It can affect:
Body temperature
Heart function
Menstrual cycle
Muscle strength
Metabolism
Nervous system function
Outlook For Graves Disease
The outlook for Graves’ Disease is a decline in the quality of life, not really the life span. It is very rare for Graves’ disease to be fatal. It can develop complications and complicate other disorders or conditions of the body.
Pregnancy
Heart disorders
Brittle Bones
Thyroid storm (rare)
In pregnancy, Graves’s disease can lead to premature birth, preeclampsia, poor fetal growth, high blood pressure, elevated urine proteins.
Graves’ Disease can also lead to heart problems if it is left untreated. It can change the way your heart functions and the way it is shaped. It can also lead to congestive heart failure.
Hyperthyroidism, if left untreated, can lead to osteoporosis and overall weakening of your bone structure. It does this by blocking calcium absorption into the bone itself.
Thyroid Storms are rare, but life threatening complication. It is caused by severe, untreated hyperthyroidism. The effects of the high concentration of this hormone can lead to fever, profuse sweating, confusion, becoming weak, delirious, irregular heartbeat, extremely low blood pressure, and coma.
Risk Factors for Developing Graves’ Disease
Age: usually attacks persons younger than 40
Autoimmune disorders
Emotional or physical stress: Typically in the genetically predisposed
Family history
Gender: it is more common in women
Pregnancy
Smoking