Graves Disease is an autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid gland, which is a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck. The thyroid gland secretes hormones that control several important processes in the body, such as metabolism, pulse rate, and temperature. It is a condition in which the immune system of a person targets the thyroid gland and forces it to secrete more hormones than is required, resulting in hyperthyroidism. This condition can impact your health, and it is crucial to know its causes and signs and how to manage it.
Graves Disease Causes
Graves Disease is mainly associated with autoimmune disorders. For some reason, the body’s immune system produces antibodies called thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI), which attach themselves to the thyroid gland and force it to produce excessive amounts of hormones. While the precise reason for this immune response is still unknown, genetics usually have a part to play. If your family members have had thyroid problems, you may be at a higher risk of getting the disease. Other possible graves disease causes include stress, smoking, and infections that may trigger the development of the autoimmune response.
Common Graves Disease Symptoms
There are several graves disease symptoms that are associated with the production of excessive thyroid hormones. It can lead to hyperthyroidism, and this has effects on your body and health. However, let’s know what are 3 symptoms of graves disease that are usually present:
Weight Loss:
Patients develop a high metabolism; therefore, although they have a higher appetite, they lose weight.
Tremors and Anxiety:
One of the graves disease symptoms is increased nervousness and shaking hands.
Heart Palpitations:
Hyperthyroidism increases the rate of heartbeat, and this results in palpitations and shortness of breath.
While the disease is known to affect both sexes, graves disease symptoms in females may be somewhat different or vary due to hormonal changes. Women are more likely to have their periods less frequently, lighter, or even cessation of menstruation (amenorrhea). Additionally, females may notice hair thinning, which can be distressing.
Graves Disease Diagnosis
It is important to get a graves disease diagnosis as early as possible to be able to treat it and avoid complications. Diagnosing the disease involves several steps:
Physical Examination:
A doctor may observe signs like swelling of the thyroid gland or goitre, eye bulge (Graves’ ophthalmopathy), or tremor.
Blood Tests:
The most accurate diagnostic test for graves disease is the blood test that determines the levels of T3 and T4 hormones and TSI antibodies. Elevated concentrations of T3 and T4, along with TSI antibodies, provide conclusive evidence of the diagnosis.
In some cases, doctors may also advise you to undergo a radioactive iodine uptake test to determine the rate at which your thyroid gland absorbs iodine since it is also a sign of overactive thyroid.
Graves Disease Treatment Options
Graves disease treatment is aimed at the reduction of the thyroid hormone levels and the control of the symptoms. There are several options for treating the condition:
Antithyroid Medications:
Antithyroid drugs like methimazole or propylthiouracil (PTU) work by decreasing the amount of thyroid hormones produced.
Radioactive Iodine Therapy:
This involves administering a small amount of radioactive iodine that selectively kills overactive thyroid cells. It is a widely used and rather efficient therapy; however, it can lead to hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) in the long run.
Surgery:
In some instances, the complete or partial removal of the thyroid gland (thyroidectomy) may be required. Graves disease treatment is usually done with these approaches in combination depending on the severity of the symptoms and the general health of the patient.
How Long Can You Live with Graves Disease?
If you are suffering from graves disease, then the question of how long can you live with graves disease is that, if it gets diagnosed early and treated correctly, patients can live a normal, healthy life. However, the condition has to be managed, and constant monitoring and follow-up are needed. If left untreated, this disease may cause more serious conditions, including heart problems, osteoporosis, and, in some instances, thyroid storm, which is a life-threatening condition due to high levels of thyroid hormones.
Conclusion
Graves disease is a complex disease of the thyroid gland but can be managed effectively. If diagnosed early and treated properly, people with the disease can live normal lives. It is important to identify the graves disease symptoms timely. The available treatment plans for this condition include antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine therapy, and surgery since they are viable ways of handling the disease.
