Graves' Disease: Symptoms, Causes Treatment and Diagnosis

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that is located at the frontal part of your neck. It secretes vital hormones that affect the growth rate, metabolism, and development of the human body. Graves' disease is an immune system disorder that affects the gland. 

The thyroid gland in a person affected by the condition overproduces hormones - leading to further medical complications such as hyperthyroidism. Although it can affect people of both genders, it is more common in women and individuals under the age of forty. Even though there are several physical manifestations of this condition, consulting a medical professional is always the best. 

Graves' disease is chronic, meaning it is often life-long. Hence, the main goal of your treatment plan is to reduce the over-production of the thyroid hormone and help keep the symptoms under check. 

In the following paragraphs, let us explore the most prevalent symptoms and causes of this disease and understand some of the treatment plans.

Symptoms of Graves' Disease 

Here is a list of some of the most commonly occurring symptoms in people affected by Graves' disease. Most of these symptoms are easily observable. Hence, if you experience any of these issues, visit a medical professional for early detection. 

Common Graves' disease symptoms are as follows -

• The first and foremost observable symptom is rapid weight loss. Excessive thyroid hormone production results in speeding up the body's metabolism, this is the main factor behind weight loss despite maintaining the same eating habits. 

• Secondly, you may notice a change in the shape of the thyroid gland (goitre).

• You may also experience constant fatigue that does not go away despite taking adequate rest.

• You may also experience palpitations and irregular heart rates.

• You may observe slight tremors in your hands and fingers.

• Women may experience changes in their menstrual cycle.

• You may also have irregular sleep cycles.

• Other common symptoms include - Graves' dermopathy, which is the thickening of the skin, usually on the shins or top of the feet. It is a rare symptom and usually painless but it can cause pain in certain people.

• Apart from the above-mentioned physical manifestations of Graves' disease, it also affects a person's eye. Graves' ophthalmopathy or bulging eyes are quite common. It also causes blurred or double vision, sensitivity to light as well as pain and pressure in the eyes.

Causes of Graves' Disease

What causes Graves' disease in individuals? As with most auto-immune diseases, the exact reason behind Graves' disease is not known. The condition is the result of an antibody called TSI, or thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin, attaching itself to healthy thyroid cells that result in the over-production of thyroid hormones. However, the trigger that causes the system to overproduce TSI is not known. 

Possible causes of Graves' Disease may be -

• Genetic predisposition
• Pregnancy
• Stress
• Infection
• Environmental factors

How is Graves' Disease Diagnosed?

Your medical professional will conduct a physical examination and enquire about your symptoms and medical history, including any family members who have had thyroid illnesses. To confirm the diagnosis of Graves' disease, they may also request the following tests: 

• Thyroid Blood Tests: The test measures the levels of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) receptors and the number of thyroid hormones (thyroxine or T4 and triiodothyronine or T3) in your bloodstream. People with Graves' disease usually have low levels of TSH. 

• Thyroid Antibody Blood Tests: It detects the presence and measurement of antibodies such as thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) and Thyroglobulin antibodies (Tg) in the body. The presence of these antibodies is a sign of thyroid abnormality. 

• Radioactive Iodine Uptake

• Doppler Ultrasound or Doppler blood flow measurement

These tests will help the medical professional to recommend a treatment plan that is best suited for you. Consider visiting the Metropolis Healthcare directory, enter the city name and search for TSH and TPO tests to gain access to their combined test packages.

Treatment of Graves' Disease 

Upon detection of Graves' disease, the doctor will chart a proper medical plan. Some of the possible treatment plans may include -

• Anti-Thyroid Medications: Anti-thyroid medications will diminish the production of thyroid hormones. In some cases, there are certain side effects such as low white blood cell count. This in turn increases your chances of infection.

• Beta-Blockers: These are taken along with medications to reduce thyroid production. Beta-blockers are taken to ensure the proper functioning of your cardiac system. Since Graves' disease produces a strain on your heart, this will regulate your heartbeat and protect your heart.

• Radio-Iodine Therapy: This will require you to take a single dose of radioactive iodine, under your doctor's guidance. This works by shrinking the thyroid gland, which will normalise the level of thyroid hormone production.

• Surgery: The last option is surgery, which involves the surgical removal of a part or all of your thyroid gland. After surgery, some people may experience problems with producing very small amounts of thyroid hormones (hypothyroidism). In such situations, you may be required to take thyroid replacement medication lifelong for normal bodily functioning. 

When left untreated, it can lead to several health complications. Some of these include cardiac issues, thyroid storms, pregnancy issues and brittle bones. However, the disease is usually detected and correctly treated before the condition can get this severe. Treatment for Graves' disease, under the guidance of a professional, is extremely effective.

Bottom Line

Even though Graves' disease affects many Indians every year, it is not something to be worried about. With proper medical care, it is highly treatable. Most people affected by this condition can lead a normal and healthy lifestyle.

It is easily detectable and a medical professional can correctly detect and diagnose it during a general routine check-up. As with every other medical health condition, early detection aids in proper and effective management. You should visit a trusted medical professional to get a checkup done.

For a correct diagnosis of Graves' disease, you will require lab tests. Metropolis Labs has made the entire process seamless and patient-friendly. You can now browse through the list of TruHealth packages for general screening or find specific tests from our directory of a wide variety of services. 

To schedule an appointment from the comfort of your home, visit our website today.