{"id":5891,"date":"2019-04-22T04:16:25","date_gmt":"2019-04-22T04:16:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=5891"},"modified":"2021-03-31T20:02:03","modified_gmt":"2021-03-31T20:02:03","slug":"14-known-symptoms-of-graves-disease","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/14-known-symptoms-of-graves-disease\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Known Symptoms of Graves Disease"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.
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1. Eye Problems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Difficulties with the eyes are often reported symptoms of Graves disease<\/a>. 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.
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2. Goiters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Goiters <\/a>are among the most visible symptoms of Grave disease. They consist of swollen thyroid glands, often in the neck. Goiters can be quite small or they can develop into large swellings. They may be accompanied by discomfort such as difficulty swallowing and breathing or can have few serious symptoms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The thyroid gland is shaped like a butterfly and is positioned around the Adam’s apple. A goiter forms when this gland is swollen as the result of Graves disease or iodine deficiency. When a goiter develops as the result of Graves’s disease, antibodies that are released from the immune system erroneously attack the thyroid gland. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, the thyroid produces excessive amounts of the hormone thyroxine. Since hormonal imbalance created the goiter in the case of Graves’s disease, the treatment that redresses the hormonal imbalance can help make the goiter disappear. Your doctor can suggest the best course of treatment if you have a goiter produced by Graves’s disease.
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3. Skin Problems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In addition to issues with the eyes, skin problems can also be the result of Graves’s disease. You may notice that your skin feels red and itchy <\/a>and may dismiss the symptoms as an ordinary rash. However, in the case of Graves’s disease, this redness occurs in certain places and has a specific root cause. You may notice red bumps on the shins and the top of the feet. You may notice a thickness to the skin, like a fruit peel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These skin problems in the case of Graves disease are the result of the buildup of carbohydrates under the skin. The presence of excessive carbohydrates may also lead to vision problems. This problem is often referred to as Graves’s dermopathy. This skin issue can be treated through a general treatment of Graves disease, but for immediate relief, topical creams with cortisone can be helpful and ease the irritation.
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4. Increased sensitivity to heat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Graves’s disease can cause eye problems and sensitivity to the light, but you may also find that you feel greater sensitivity to heat as well. Since one of the main functions of the thyroid gland is regulation of the metabolism, the way the body deals with heat can be affected by the thyroid. When the thyroid and metabolism <\/a>are working well, it helps maintain the basal metabolic rate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hypothyroidism may cause people to feel overly sensitive to the cold. However, hyperthyroidism caused by conditions such as Graves disease can hinder the body from dealing with heat normally. This heat sensitivity can be dealt with by treating the hormonal issues created by Graves’s disease. However, to keep you comfortable until the symptoms disappear, drink plenty of cold beverages, especially water, stay in the shade and use electric fans to stay cool. Carry a spray bottle and cool off by spraying your face with cold water.
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5. Heart palpitations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Problems with the thyroid gland can have an impact on the heart, and a common symptom is an increased heart rate or heart palpitations<\/a>. These may be occasional and be accompanied by feelings of anxiety or can happen more frequently. In extreme cases, Graves’s disease can be accompanied by atrial fibrillation or an irregular heartbeat, which can lead to thrombosis or blood clots. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first signs of heart issues may be characterized by breathlessness and irregular heartbeat. You may find that it is difficult for your heart rate to return to its resting place after exertion. It may be hard to tell whether heart issues have developed with age and family history or are the result of hyperthyroidism. You may find that treatment for Graves disease may ease symptoms or you may need targeted heart treatment. It is important to engage in heart-healthy activities such as mild exercise and to eat heart-friendly foods, such as oily fish.
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6. Dramatic Weight Loss<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many people are trying to lose weight, but unwanted weight loss can be unhealthy and in some cases, dangerous. Graves disease affects the thyroid gland which regulates metabolism. This may cause your body to burn calories <\/a>more quickly and can cause you to shed pounds even if you increase your caloric intake. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If this happens, you will want to include more calories in your diet and avoid excessive exercise that can burn calories. Once you take medication for Graves’s disease, you may find that you will start gaining weight. If this starts happening too quickly, check with your doctor to ensure the proper dosage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although the thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism, there are other hormones that affect the hormone besides those produced by the thyroid gland. Therefore, medicating the thyroid gland may not resolve the problem with weight loss immediately, but it is likely to have an effect.
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7. Anxiety<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In addition to the physical symptoms that accompany Graves’s disease, there are also emotional and psychological effects. Hyperthyroidism is often characterized by anxiety<\/a>, moodiness, and irritability. You may have difficulty sleeping or find it hard to concentrate. In addition to psychological effects as the natural result of physical symptoms of Graves disease, anxiety and mood problems can also be the result of the side effects of Graves disease medications. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beta-blockers or steroids meant to slow down your system as the result of hyperthyroidism can lead to depression, fatigue, and sluggishness. In addition, if you have a high-stress job or an anxiety-ridden personal life, your symptoms can be aggravated. You may consider taking medication to ease your anxiety, but keep in mind that there may be side effects or that these medications can have indications of the medicines you are taking for Graves’s disease. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Tremors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It is estimated that among those with Graves disease, 75% have some form of tremors <\/a>at some point. These tremors often are experienced in the hands but may also be experienced in other parts of the body. Tremors are characterized by uncontrollable shaking. The cause of the tremors is the metabolic irregularity associated with thyroid malfunction and Graves disease. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

An increased metabolism of dopamine can be responsible for tremors. The tremors can be aggravated by increased anxiety often accompanies hyperthyroidism. In addition, heart palpitations can also intensify the actual tremors or at least the perception of them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The tremors may go away with the treatment of Graves disease or you may require medication to deal specifically with the tremors. Make sure that whatever medication you take does not interfere with the medicine you are taking fo Graves disease. You may also find that anti-anxiety treatment may suppress tremors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Changes in Menstrual Cycle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Women with Graves’ disease may find that they start to experience changes in their menstrual cycle. Graves’ disease may confuse the immune system<\/a>, causing it to mistake healthy cells for invading pathogens. As a result of the confusion, the body begins to experience attacks on otherwise robust systems and cells in the body.
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Women may experience immune system assault on the organs in the pelvic region, causing changes in the reproductive cycle. Women who previously had light periods may find that their symptoms of pain and discomfort and bleeding intensify. There is nothing doctors can do for the patient other than providing over-the-counter painkiller and anti-inflammatories.
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These changes to the menstrual cycle may become permanent, and the patient will have to learn to cope with the changes. Should the patient experience severe pain and discomfort, the doctor may choose to issue stronger opioid painkillers during the peak of the cycle, until the patient manages to learn how to cope with the increase in pain symptoms.
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10. Erectile Dysfunction<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Men who are living with the effects of Graves’ disease may notice that they experience changes in their sex drive. The patient may suffer from reduced libido<\/a>, and lose interest in sex, much to the frustration of their partner.
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ED is often a symptom of an underlying health condition. However, most doctors see ED as a sign of a cardiovascular issue, and they may have to rule out this as a contributing factor before they look for other causes of erectile dysfunction in the patient.  
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Should your physician trace the onset of ED back to the development of Graves’ disease, your doctor may prescribe medications to help remedy the situation. Drugs like Viagra and Cialis may help with the ED symptoms, but it may not be able to increase the libido of the affected individual.
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As a result, they may still have no interest in sex. Doctors may have to issue hormone replacement therapy for help with restarting the sex drive in affected men.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Digestive System Disorders<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A patient dealing with the effects of Graves’ disease may also experience changes in their digestive system. As a result of the infection<\/a>, the patient may find that they develop an increase in bowel movements during the day. In most cases, this is not a cause for concern.
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However, the changes may increase to the stage where the body is not assimilating enough nutrients from your meals before excreting the waste. As a result, the patient may develop mineral and vitamin deficiencies. Patients with Graves’ disease may also notice that they start to create gastric cramping and bloat as the disease progresses in the digestive system.
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Graves’ disease may cause changes in the health of the gut microbiome \u2013 the trillions of live bacteria living in your GI tract. These biomes are responsible for many vital metabolic functions \u2013 and when in a dysfunctional state, the lack of biome activity can cause numerous health problems affecting every biological system in the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Fatigue<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Patients with Graves’ disease may find that they notice the slow onset of fatigue<\/a> as the disease progresses. Fatigue is a persistent feeling of tiredness that you can’t seem to shake. It doesn’t matter how many energy drinks or cups of coffee you drink, the fatigue persists. Patients with fatigue may notice that they start to feel tired during the day when they would otherwise be full of energy.
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This feeling of fatigue increases with each passing day until the patient no longer feels like they can get out of bed in the morning. Patients with extreme levels of fatigue may find that they feel like falling asleep all of the time. However, sleep does not rejuvenate the mind, and the fatigue continues.
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The thyroid controls the pace of your metabolism. Patients with Graves’ disease experience a slow-down of thyroid hormone production, leaving them feeling fatigued. Doctors can treat this symptom using hormone replacement therapy to balance hormone production in the thyroid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Graves’ Dermopathy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Graves’ disease affects many different regions and biological systems in the body. We have already discussed the impact of the disease on the eye, but Graves’ may also affect the health of your skin <\/a>as well.
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The autoimmune disorder may attack healthy skin cells in the epidermis, causing the onset of “Graves’ Dermopathy.” Patients who are suffering from the effects of this skin disorder notice that they develop a thickening of the skin, along with small bumps on the surface of the affected area. The skin may change color, turning reddish or bright pink, and the skin feels rough to the touch.
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Patients with Graves Dermopathy find the most common regions of the body for rashes to develop are on the tops of the feet and the shins. Unfortunately, there is nothing doctors can do to treat this rash, and the patient will have to wait for it to subside by itself. In some cases, the rash may last for a few days, while others experience the rash hanging around for months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Complications<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some patients may experience other health complications related to the onset of Graves’ disease. Some of the more common complications associated with the condition are the following;
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Pregnancy complications \u2013 Pregnant women who experience the onset of Graves’ disease, run the risk of issues such as miscarriage<\/a>, stillbirth, premature birth, stunted fetal growth, fetal thyroid dysfunction, preeclampsia, and maternal heart failure. Preeclampsia occurs when the infant develops high-blood pressure after birth, and it’s a life-threatening disorder for the child.
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If left unmanaged and untreated in adults, Graves’ disease can result in the development of rhythm disorders in the heart. The condition may cause changes in heart function, resulting in the inability to pump blood around the body, resulting in congestive heart failure.
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Thyroid storm \u2013 This is an uncommon disorder in patients dealing with thyroid problems. This storm may result in the development of various adverse health issues, such as brittle bones, fever, chills, sweating, vomiting, low blood pressure, jaundice, and even coma.
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