14 Known Symptoms of Graves Disease

Graves disease is an illness that affects the thyroid gland, which regulates metabolism and many other physical functions. Although Graves’s disease is often referred to as hyperthyroidism, it is not exactly the same thing, although hyperthyroidism is present in the condition. The illness affects primarily women above the age of 35.

The condition is usually treated by redressing the imbalance in the hormones, and it may take some time and trial and error before symptoms of Graves disease are eliminated. Some of these symptoms can include tremors, heart palpitations, dramatic weight loss, eye problems, skin irritation, goiters and sensitivity to heat.

There can be a number of other symptoms, including irregular menstruation, erectile dysfunction, and insomnia. Beware when treating the symptoms that the medications you take can be taken together safely and effectively. In many cases, the symptoms will disappear as the illness is treated.

1. Eye Problems

Difficulties with the eyes are often reported symptoms of Graves disease. These problems can range from redness and irritation to bulging eyes and serious complications that can develop over a period of weeks, months or even years. Among the first issues with the eyes that you may notice is sensitivity to the light.

This can happen in artificial light or when exposed to the sun. Your eyes may tear up easily and be excessively moist. The eyes may also bulge and protrude forward. There are some conditions that affect the eye that is associated with Graves’s disease.

These include Graves orbitopathy or Graves’s ophthalmopathy. Graves’ orbitopathy is an autoimmune disorder that results from Graves’s disease. If you suspect you may have eye complications from Graves disease, an eye doctor can examine your eyes to see if there is characteristic swelling of the eye muscle and surrounding tissue.