How to Treat Graves' Disease With Medication
Graves' disease is an autoimmune condition that affects the thyroid gland, causing it to produce an abundance of hormones. While there is no cure for Graves' disease, it is quite easy to treat and manage with proper medication prescribed by a doctor.
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Instructions
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Use Medication to Treat Graves' Disease
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Have a doctor diagnose your condition and set up a treatment strategy. This strategy will most likely begin with medication.
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Start with beta-blockers, which do not have an effect on the thyroid gland itself. Instead, they block the effects of excessive hormones on the heart and nervous system. These drugs work quickly to level out many of the symptoms of Graves' disease.
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Let your doctor know whether you are having trouble sleeping or suffering from panic attacks. She may prescribe valium, or a similar medication, to combat these symptoms.
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Treat the thyroid gland's overproduction of hormones by taking antithyroid medications. Your doctor will usually prescribe these after the beta-blockers have done their work.
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Expect to take antithyroid drugs for about 2 years before you see a period of remission.
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Work with your doctor to set up a course of treatment after your thyroid has returned to normal. You may choose to continue medication or try alternative forms of therapy.
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Know that relapse is common for Graves' disease, so you should continue to have annual blood tests even after you have completed your treatment.
Explore Other Ways to Treat Graves' Disease
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Decide, with the help of your doctor, whether radiation treatment is necessary. This is a common course of treatment in the United States, but can be avoided with medication and proper health care.
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Consider surgery if medication does not help your condition. While surgery has become less common for treating Graves' disease, it is a viable solution for pregnant women or those who do not respond well to medication.
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Explore yoga and other meditation practices. Many believe that yoga can help reduce the symptoms of Graves' disease, relieving anxiety and helping to avoid recurrences.
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Purchase "Graves' disease: A Practical Guide," by Elaine A. Moore, from Amazon.com. The book explores alternative therapy and treatment for Graves' disease (see Resources below).
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Tips & Warnings
Vitamins often help reduce the symptoms of Graves' disease. You should set up a daily vitamin regimen that combats the effects of your condition.
