How to Diagnose Graves' Disease

In the later stages of Graves' disease, you may be able to accurately self-diagnose your condition, but for the most part, your symptoms will vary and come about over the course of several months or years. You should visit an endocrinologist, a doctor that specializes in hormone conditions, to properly diagnose Graves' disease.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Endocrinologist

Diagnose Graves' Disease Properly

1. Look for common symptoms of Graves' disease, which include fatigue, tremors, anxiety, irregular menstrual periods, diminished sex drive, brittle hair and sensitivity to light. If you have any combination of three or more of these symptoms, you should speak to a doctor. Keep in mind that they are not the only symptoms of Graves' disease.

2. Know that protruding eyes and lumpy, reddish skin on your lower legs may indicate Graves' disease. These are more serious symptoms that require treatment beyond your Graves' disease therapy.

3. Feel your thyroid glands, which rest in the front of your neck. A visible mass, also called a goiter, is a sign of Graves' disease. Your doctor will also look for less visible hardening or growth of these glands.

4. Prepare your medical history for your doctor. Graves' disease and thyroid conditions tend to run in families, so your doctor will need a family medical history that is as complete as possible.

5. Visit your doctor as soon as you begin noticing symptoms of Graves' disease. He will perform a physical exam and a blood test to try to pin down what is ailing you.

6. Expect to be referred to an endocrinologist. She will most likely perform another blood test and possibly a radioactive iodine test.

7. Get a second opinion if you are experiencing symptoms and doctors can't find anything wrong. Continue to look for a cause, whether that ends up being Graves' disease or another condition.

8. Follow up with your doctor for continued treatment. Everyone reacts differently to medication, and you may need to try several treatments until you find one that works for you.

Tips & Warnings

• Try writing down all of your symptoms, no matter how unimportant they may seem, so you can give your doctor a complete picture and she can diagnose you.
• Go to an emergency room if you experience a rapid or irregular heartbeat. While this may be a complication related to Graves' disease, it could also be another serious condition. Regardless, you should seek treatment immediately.
• Consider using a home-thyroid test if you are experiencing common symptoms related hyperthyroidism.

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