How to Recognize the Symptoms of Graves' Disease

As the most common form of hyperthyroidism, Graves' disease attacks the thyroid, causing it to overproduce the hormone thyroxine. This autoimmune response manifests in the tissue behind your eyes, your skin and on your lower legs and feet. While rarely life threatening, Graves' disease can cause mental and physical discomfort. If you recognize symptoms of Graves' disease or hyperthyroidism, speak to your doctor as soon as possible.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Doctor

Recognize the Symptoms of Graves' Disease

1. See a doctor if you experience any combination (more than three) of fatigue, weakness, weight loss, hair loss, brittle nails, panic attacks, insomnia and diminished sex drive. While these symptoms may not necessarily indicate Graves' disease, they probably point to some type of medical condition.

2. Look for inflammation of the eyes, which may make your eyes appear to bulge. You may also experience blurred vision, redness and sensitivity to light. While this is usually the first noticeable sign of Graves' disease, it does not usually cause permanent problems.

3. Check for lumpy, reddish skin on the front of the lower legs. This is referred to as dermopathy, a rare symptom, but is usually the one most often associated with Graves' disease.

4. Recognize other symptoms, like tremors, rapid heartbeat and anxiety attacks. Many people with Graves' disease report feeling nervous or suffering from increased levels of stress.

5. Know that women with Graves' disease often have irregular or light menstrual periods. This can be a symptom of several conditions, but your doctor will usually check your thyroid while determining a cause.

6. Have your thyroid tested if you notice that it is enlarged. The thyroid gland can be found on each side of the front of the neck.

7. Head to the doctor or emergency room if you experience a rapid heart rate, delirium, high fever and vomiting. These are all signs of a Graves' disease complication known as a thyroid storm.

Tips & Warnings

• Since Graves' disease sometimes manifests itself after stressful situations, the fatigue and anxiety may be attributed to other conditions. Be sure to tell your doctor about any abnormal symptoms you may have noticed.
• Symptoms build slowly, so it often takes months for major signs to become apparent and for a doctor to diagnose the condition. Each person with Graves' disease experiences different symptoms. Expect common signs to appear over time.
• Failure to treat Graves' disease can lead to serious heart conditions. Never put off seeking medical attention if you think you may have this condition.

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[stacie5]

on 11/8/2009 Great article. 5*