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Graves' Disease

Graves Disease - Understanding the Basics.
By Anne Wolski

Graves Disease is the main cause of hyperthyroidism and is caused by a defect in the immune system. Autoimmune disease may be understood as a process by which the body sees some part of itself as being foreign and reacts to it much the same way that it would with any bacteria or virus. In the case of Graves' disease, the body sees the thyroid gland as the foreign object and produces antibodies that attack the thyroid gland.

This causes the thyroid gland to produce a greater than normal amount of the hormone called thyroxine. When you have excess thyroxine in your body, your metabolic rate can increase by 60 percent to 100 percent because thyroxine controls the metabolism of the cells. A higher metabolism can lead to a number of health problems, such as an irregular heartbeat or anxiety.

Signs and symptoms of Graves' disease and hyperthyroidism may include:

Sensitivity to heat, Weight loss, despite normal food intake, Brittle hair, Light menstrual periods, Frequent bowel movements, Restlessness, Muscle weakness, Tremors, Enlarged thyroid gland, Increased sweating, Blurred or double vision, Nervousness & irritability, Eye complaints, such as redness and swelling, Restless sleep, Erratic behaviour, Increased appetite, Distracted attention span, Fatigue, Weight Loss, Tachycardia (rapid heart beat), and Changes in libido (sex drive).

Graves Disease occurs mainly in middle aged women but can also occur in children and the elderly. Often, there is a genetic predisposition to autoimmune disorders but often the cause remains unknown. Of research importance, the Graves' gene in DNA has not yet been identified.

Graves' ophthalmopathy may cause these mild signs and symptoms: Excess tearing and sensation of grit or sand in either or both eyes, reddened or inflamed eyes, widening of the space between your eyelids, swelling of the lids and tissues around the eyes, and light sensitivity

Less often, Graves' ophthalmopathy can produce these signs and symptoms: Ulcers on the cornea, double vision, limited eye movements, and blurred or reduced vision.

Graves Disease is incurable but not life threatening and is completely treatable.

There are three standard ways of treating Graves' disease.

1. Anti-thyroid drugs which inhibit production or conversion of the active thyroid hormone; Most individuals do well on these medications and can continue them long term if they so choose. The most common side effect is a rash, which will require that the medication be stopped if it is severe.

2. Radioactive iodine which destroys part or all of the thyroid gland and renders it incapable of overproducing thyroid hormone. The treatment consists simply of swallowing a pill that contains radioactive iodine. Usually the treatment is entirely painless, though an occasional patient will notice mild soreness over the thyroid gland for a few days after the treatment.; or

3. Subtotal thyroidectomy, in which a surgeon removes most of the thyroid gland and renders it incapable of overproducing thyroid hormone. Surgery may be the best option in certain situations, such as patients with large multinodular goiters where the thyroid gland is interfering with swallowing

The more serious complications of prolonged, untreated, or improperly treated Graves' disease include weakened heart muscle leading to heart failure; osteoporosis, or possible severe emotional disorders.

Report Author:

Anne Wolski has worked within the health and welfare industry for over thirty years and has a passion for health and social issues. She is one of the directors of http://www.magnetic-health-online.com and also http://www.pharmacybyweb.com.

Symptoms of the Graves Disease - Eye Problem.
By Brue Baker

Graves disease, otherwise known as the thyroid eye disease, is a rather unknown, but serious condition. In order to explain what the graves disease eye problem is you must first get familiar with the thyroid gland and what it does.

There is more to your thyroid gland than what I will explain to you here, I just want to keep it simple so you can understand graves disease. Your thyroid gland is in your neck and produces two types of thyroid hormones.

These hormones are vital for your metabolism running properly and your growth. Graves disease comes into play when your thyroid doesn't produce enough or it produces too much of thyroid hormones your body needs. When your body doesn't produce enough of the hormones it is called hypothyroidism.

When your thyroid doesn't produce enough of the thyroid hormones then you may:

Feel depressed.
Feel Anxious.
Have a slower then usual heartbeat.
Feel sluggish.

What if Your Thyroid Produces Too Much of the Hormones?

On the other end of the spectrum your thyroid can also produce too much of the thyroid hormones. This is known as hyperthyroidism. This type of graves disease occurs most often.

There are also symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism. Someone starting to suffer from this type of graves disease will experience:

Hot flashes.
A faster then usual heartbeat.
Nervousness.

How is This All Related To My Eyes?

Graves disease becomes a serious eye problem because of the painful symptoms it can cause. While the conditions and symptoms can vary in intensity, one of the most noticeable and the most common symptoms of the graves disease eye problem is the protrusion of your eye(s).

When your eye is protruded, your eyelid is pulled back and all the muscles and the tissues that are around the eye area swell up. This is what causes the pain and the eye problem.

Is This Disease Treatable?

Although the graves disease eye problem is a serious condition that can cause a lot of pain, stress, embarrassment, and suffering it is treatable. There are many ways to treat this condition. The most common methods are:

Lubricants.
Steroids.
Eye surgery.
Radiation to the eye

The only downside to treating the graves disease eye problem is that it can take anywhere from six months to a year for the treatment to work. The exact amount of time needed to get rid of the problem depends upon the specific person and their case.

Report Author:

Brue M. Baker, is an expert on natural health and fitness who has helped people from across the world sky-rocket their health and well-being. Rather than hitting your head against a wall trying to find unbiased health information let Brue take you by the hand and give you the best natural health information and resources on the web. Visit DietHealthAndFitness.com to learn more.

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