{"id":5904,"date":"2019-04-19T05:10:18","date_gmt":"2019-04-19T05:10:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=5904"},"modified":"2021-05-04T15:00:24","modified_gmt":"2021-05-04T15:00:24","slug":"14-early-signs-of-graves-disease","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/14-early-signs-of-graves-disease\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Early Signs of Graves Disease"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Graves disease is an illness that affects the thyroid gland and can disrupt metabolism. The metabolism is responsible for the way the body uses energy and perceives heat and cold. With the onset of Graves disease, there are a number of early signs, including problems with the eyes, sensitivity to heat, sudden weight loss, red bumps on the skin, anxiety, heart palpitations, goiters, and tremors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just a few of these symptoms may not necessarily be a sign that you are coming down with Graves disease, but if you have a number of them, you should be tested for the problem. Although dealing with the underlying problem may lead to a reduction in symptoms, there are other ways you deal with the symptoms until the condition is brought under control with medication. Try changing your diet to heart-healthy foods, staying cool, taking up medication to calm you down and using cream to soothe your skin.
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1. Sweating<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sweating <\/a>is one of the early symptoms of Graves disease as well as other signs of heat sensitivity. Grave\u2019s disease affects the thyroid gland which controls metabolism which has an effect on our perception of heat. You may notice a sudden difficulty dealing with heat as well as light, whether natural or artificial heat and light. When the thyroid is disrupted, the basal metabolic rate is affected, the perception of heat and cold can change. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hypothyroidism, for instance, can lead to a greater sensitivity to cold. Hyperthyroidism, which is an effect of Graves disease, can make summers difficult. Treatments for the underlying problem may eventually relieve symptoms, but in the meantime, cool off with chilled drinks and electric fans when necessary. You may also want to take a bottle of chilled water with you so you can spray your face and neck and cool off whenever you need to.
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2. Weight Loss<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the first signs of Graves’s disease is sudden weight loss. You may welcome this change if you have been trying to lose weight, but since this is caused by metabolic changes, the underlying cause of the weight loss<\/a> is not so healthy. The reason for the dramatic weight loss that accompanies Graves’s disease is that the thyroid, which affects the metabolism, is targeted by Graves disease. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may want to consume more calories if you feel that you are losing weight too rapidly or cut down on strenuous exercise. Medication for Graves’s disease can go a long way to correcting metabolic problems. You may find that these medicines may have too drastic a change and you could start gaining weight quickly. Consult your doctor to find the best type and dosage of medication that will help regulate your metabolism. You can expect some irregularity in metabolism, but keep track of your progress.
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3. Anxiety<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Graves’s disease<\/a> not only affects your physical body but can also impact you psychologically and emotionally. Hyperthyroidism speeds up the system and can also make you feel anxious or irritable. You may also find it difficult to sleep and feel the pressure more keenly than you would otherwise. Keeping in mind that much of your reaction to things is due to Graves’s disease may help you put things in perspective. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may try yoga and meditation to calm down and focus on breathing to relieve tension. Also, try to avoid excessive caffeine and sugar which can exacerbate feelings of pressure. You may also consider taking medications that will calm you down, but beware that these often carry side effects. Beta-blockers and steroids that can help you deal with heart palpitations can lead to depression and fatigue as side effects. Think of medication as a last resort and try other things to calm you down before using meds.
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4. Rapid Heart Beat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Graves’s disease has a profound effect on metabolism<\/a>, and this includes the heart. You may notice your heart rate quicken even if you are not engaging in strenuous activity. After exercise, it may take more time for your heart to return to its resting rate. It is important to see a doctor for regular checkups and to have your blood pressure and heartbeat monitored. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to a quickened heartbeat, Graves’s disease can also create an irregular heartbeat and atrial fibrillation. Your doctor may recommend heart medication if you are adversely affected by Graves’s disease. Make sure you adopt a lifestyle that is healthy for your heart, including a diet with healthy fats, such as oily fish and engage in regular exercise. If you have a family history of heart disease or have a pre-existing heart condition, be extra careful about your cardiovascular health if you have been diagnosed with Graves disease.  
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5. Eye Problems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Eye problems can start early with the onset of Graves disease or they can develop gradually. Issues with the eyes can start out with minor redness or irritation or sensitivity to the light and not develop into anything more serious. However, eye conditions associated with Graves disease can result in certain telltale signs, such as bulging eyes and constant water quality. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

An eye condition called Graves orbitopathy can develop from Graves’s disease. It is caused by the swelling <\/a>of the eye muscles and other eye tissue. It is important to have your doctor examine your eyes regularly to see if Graves’s orbitopathy is developing. You can use eye medicines to deal with the wateriness and redness and sunglasses to deal with light sensitivity. You may find that eye problems improve as you take treatment for Graves’s disease. You may not experience immediate relief but may see a reduction in your symptoms. \u00a0
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6. Goiter<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A goiter <\/a>is a swollen thyroid gland and is one of the early symptoms of Graves’s disease. The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland that is located right around your Adam’s apple. A goiter can be small or large and be the result of other things besides Graves’s disease, such as iodine deficiency. However, goiters caused by Graves disease have a different cause. Those who suffer from the disease produce antibodies that attack the thyroid gland mistakenly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In response, the thyroid produces too much thyroxine and, as a result, the gland becomes swollen. Usually, the goiter just creates aesthetic problems, but in some cases, a goiter can cause difficulty swallowing or breathing. Goiters often shrink or disappear with hormonal treatments for Graves’s disease. It may take some time and patience, but treatment can help goiters disappear, although there may be other treatments that can reduce the size of goiters. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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

Sudden, uncontrollable shaking in the hands or in other parts of the body may be one of the early signs of Graves’s disease. These tremors can be caused by a variety of things, including metabolic irregularities that can be caused by problems with the thyroid gland. Graves’s disease can also lead to heart palpitations and increased anxiety, which can aggravate the problem of tremors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, this illness can create uneven amounts of dopamine that can also be at the root of constant shaking. You may find a reduction of tremors <\/a>if you try to treat other symptoms, such as anxiety and palpitations, or tremors can also be tamed by specific medications that can stop the uncontrollable shaking. Be careful of side effects from medication for tremors, because they might result in drowsiness and fatigue. You may limit medication to certain times when the tremors disturb you the most, such as at night.
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8. Skin Irritation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Although not everyone who suffers from Graves’s disease has skin problems, there are some conditions that are directly associated with Graves’s disease that affect the skin. You may notice that red bumps are forming on your shins and the top of the feet. Some of the irritation <\/a>of your skin may cause a thickening of the skin and can give it the consistency of a fruit peel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The change of the consistency in certain areas of the skin is the result of the buildup of carbohydrates under the skin\u2019s surface. This carbohydrate buildup as the result of Graves disease can develop into Graves’s dermopathy which is a separate condition but is caused by Graves disease and the effect on hormones and metabolism. Although the medication you take for Graves disease may relieve your skin irritation, but in the meantime, you can use topical creams to relieve the redness and irritation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Erectile Dysfunction
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The thyroid gland is a vital part of the hormonal system. The thyroid releases TSH \u2013 a thyroid-stimulating hormone, that\u2019s responsible for regulating your metabolic rate. Disruptions to the normal health and function of the thyroid have the potential to create a hormone imbalance.
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As a result, patients may find that they start to develop issues with levels of adrenaline-like hormones, such as cortisol, as well. Cortisol <\/a>and TSH imbalance may result in numerous adverse health effects, including erectile dysfunction in men.
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Men affected by the problem may find that they lose their libido and desire for sexual relations with their partner. In most cases, ED drugs like Viagra can help, but it won\u2019t stimulate the patient\u2019s loss of libido and desire.
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If you are dealing with Graves\u2019 disease and notice you start to develop symptoms of ED, speak to your doctor for advice and a hormone panel to determine the health of your hormonal system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Changes in Menstrual Cycles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Changes in hormones may also induce disruptions in the patient\u2019s normal menstrual cycle<\/a>. Some women may notice that their period comes earlier, while other experience delays. Women who are living with Graves may also see that the temperament of their cycle changes as well.
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Some women may develop severe period pains, and discomfort, while others do not notice any changes. The extent of the alterations to your monthly cycle depends significantly on the disruption to your normal hormonal function.
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Women who experience changes in their period should speak to the doctor for advice. The physician takes a blood sample for a hormone panel, and checks for any deficiencies that could be causing the changes.
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Doctors manage shifts in hormonal balance using medications to control the thyroids TSH output and estrogen levels. By working with these two factors, doctors can ensure that you don\u2019t experience any adverse hormonal health effects from Graves\u2019 disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Increase in Bowel Movements
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Patients who are dealing with Graves\u2019 disease may also notice changes in their bowel movements. The thyroid <\/a>controls the metabolic rate through the release of TSH and other thyroid hormones. Some patients with Graves\u2019 may experience an increase, or decrease, in their basal metabolic rate.
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As a result, the digestive system speeds up, and patients find that they start to lose weight. The increase in metabolic rate also affects the digestive system in its need to excrete waste. As a result, patients may find that they need to visit the bathroom multiple times a day to clear their bowels.
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Some patients who are suffering from Graves\u2019 may find that they start to experience digestive issues, such as passing undigested food. Others may notice they are more prone to developing bloat and gas. Changes in the patient\u2019s hormone profile have severe consequences for every biological system in the body, and the digestive system is no exception.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Fatigue
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People who are suffering from Graves\u2019 disease may find that they start to experience feelings of fatigue<\/a>, especially later in the afternoon. The thyroid is most active in the morning when it deals with managing the body waking up from sleep.
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The thyroid provides the necessary hormones to accommodate the increase in metabolic rate when we exercise and eat, as well as when we think. Patients with Graves may notice that they start to feel more fatigued than usual in the early afternoon as thyroid production ramps down. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the condition progresses, the patient finds that the feelings of fatigue continue to increase, until they are feeling tired all day long. Fatigue makes it challenging to do any physical activity, and it also affects the brain’s ability to carry out cognitive tasks as well.
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People who are living with Graves\u2019 should speak to their doctor for advice on supplements that can help them restore their energy levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Risk Factors
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One of the best ways to notice the early warning signs of Graves\u2019 disease, is to become acquainted with the risk factors associated with developing the condition. If you find yourself among the high-risk groups mentioned below, speak to your doctor if you notice any of the early symptoms of the disease. Treatment can help mitigate the effects of the disease, and manage the symptoms as they emerge.
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Genetics <\/a>\u2013 Medical science believes that Graves\u2019 is a hereditary disease. If either of your parents carries the gene responsible for manifesting Graves\u2019, then there is a chance they will pass it on to you.
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Age \u2013 Graves\u2019 tends to develop in people under the age of 40-years old.
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Autoimmune disorders \u2013 People with existing autoimmune disorders are more prone to developing Graves\u2019 disease.
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Women are more inclined to develop Graves\u2019 than men.
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Emotional stress \u2013 Stress can be a trigger for the onset of Graves\u2019 disease.
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Pregnancy \u2013 Changes in hormone levels during pregnancy can trigger the onset of the condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Complications
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People who develop Graves\u2019 disease are at risk of developing further complications of the condition. Complications that can arise in patients include issues with pregnancy<\/a>, where the patient has an increased risk of miscarriage or stillbirth. The fetus may also experience poor growth, and preeclampsia, along with maternal heart failure.
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Graves can also lead to cardiovascular disorders which lead to palpitations and arrhythmia. Graves\u2019 may also cause structural changes in the heart muscles, as well as weaken circulation.
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One of the rarer complications of Graves\u2019 disease is known as a \u201cthyroid storm,\u201d where the patient starts to experience severe hyperthyroidism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The sudden elevation in thyroid hormone levels may also induce other complications, such as delirium, high fever, seizures, jaundice, and low blood pressure. Patients who experience a thyroid storm require medical assistance immediately.
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Hyperthyroidism also harms the skeletal system, lowering bone density which causes bones to become brittle and prone to fractures or breaks.
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