Graves' Disease Signs and Symptoms

  • Graves Disease
    Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes the thyroid gland to become overactive. It is also known as: Autoimmune hyperthyroidism Basedow disease Exophthalmic goiter Toxic diffuse goiter
Submitted by PatientsEngage on 24 January 2016

What are the symptoms of Graves’ disease?

The early symptoms of Graves’ disease include:

  • Weight loss (despite increased appetite)
  • Anxiety, irritability, difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
  • Heat intolerance, sweating
  • Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing
  • Increased stool frequency (with or without diarrhoea)
  • Irregular menstrual periods in women
  • Goiter
  • Prominent, bulging eyes

If Graves’ disease goes untreated, physical signs and symptoms may develop:

Goiter: A goiter is an enlarged thyroid gland. As the thyroid gets bigger, the patient’s neck may begin to look full or swollen. Sometimes a goiter makes swallowing difficult, causes coughing, and may disrupt sleep.

Eye Problems: Eye disease related to Graves’ disease is called Graves’ ophthalmopathy in which one or both eyes may protrude from the eye sockets (also called the orbits). The medical term for this is exophthalmos, and it can make you appear as though you are staring. If Graves’ disease is not treated properly, then eye symptoms begin within a duration of 6 months. Eye condition resolves with proper treatment.

Skin Thickening: Some patients with Graves’ disease may develop thickening of the skin over the front of the lower leg called the tibia. The disorder causes skin lesions that are patchy and pink. Rarely are other areas of skin affected. This skin problem is called pretibial myxedema. This is resolved with treatment.

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Auto Immune conditions
Condition
Graves Disease
Changed
Mon, 08/14/2017 - 22:23

Stories

  • Causes and Risk Factors of Graves' Disease
    What causes Graves' disease? The precise cause of Grave's disease is still unknown. The following risk factors are linked to a higher probability of developing Graves' disease: Genetics (people with a family history of Graves' disease are more likely to develop it). Gender Stress Pregnancy Infection (Bacterial or viral)
  • Graves' Disease Signs and Symptoms
    What are the symptoms of Graves’ disease? The early symptoms of Graves’ disease include: Weight loss (despite increased appetite) Anxiety, irritability, difficulty sleeping (insomnia) Heat intolerance, sweating Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing Increased stool frequency (with or without diarrhoea) Irregular menstrual periods in women Goiter Prominent, bulging eyes If Graves’ disease goes untreated, physical signs and symptoms may develop: Goiter: A goiter is an enlarged thyroid gland…
  • Stages and Complications of Graves' Disease
    Complications of Graves' disease can include: Pregnancy issues: Possible complications of Graves' disease during pregnancy include miscarriage, preterm birth, fetal thyroid dysfunction, poor fetal growth, maternal heart failure and preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a maternal condition that results in high blood pressure and other serious signs and symptoms. Heart disorders: If left untreated, Graves' disease can lead to heart rhythm disorders, changes in the structure and function of the heart…
  • Diagnosis and Tests for Graves' Disease
    The diagnosis of Graves' disease may include: Physical examination: Your doctor examines your eyes to see if they're irritated or protruding and looks to see if your thyroid gland is enlarged. Because Graves' disease increases your metabolism, your doctor will check your pulse and blood pressure and look for signs of tremor. Blood sample: Your doctor will order blood tests to determine your levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), the pituitary hormone that normally stimulates the thyroid…
  • Graves' Disease Prevention
    While there are no clear causes for Graves’ disease, genetics plays an important role. So if you have a family member with Graves' disease, then your chances are increased.  If you have a high risk of Graves’ disease, try and live a healthy life. Avoid smoking. Smoking increases the risk of Graves' disease and Graves' ophthalmopathy. Reduce stress in your life. Meditate, exercise regularly, take up activities that you enjoy and that calm you.