Graves’ disease is a condition that can affect not only an individual’s health, but also their lifestyle and daily activities. However, increasing awareness about the disease can be a step towards improving the quality of life of patients with early diagnosis and effective treatment. Individuals struggling with this disease can learn to live together with regular medical follow-up, support groups, and healthy lifestyle choices and increase society’s understanding in the process.
What is Graves’ disease?
The thyroid gland is a gland located in the front of the neck that produces thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones regulate many functions of the body, including metabolism, growth and development, heart rate and body temperature. Graves’ disease is also an autoimmune disease that causes the thyroid gland to become overactive. “What causes Graves’ disease?” We can answer the question as follows:
In Graves’ disease, the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. As a result, it produces antibodies that cause the thyroid gland to produce excessive amounts of thyroid hormone. This leads to hyperthyroidism, a condition in which more thyroid hormones are produced than normal. Graves’ disease is more common in women than men and usually affects people between the ages of 30 and 50.
What are the symptoms of Graves disease?
One of the most obvious symptoms of the disease is weight loss as a result of hypermetabolism caused by overactivity of the thyroid gland. It also manifests itself with symptoms such as constant fatigue, restlessness, excessive sweating, tremors, rapid heartbeat and irritability. These symptoms can significantly affect the patient’s quality of life. It can also make daily activities difficult. Graves’ disease symptoms include:
- Palpitation
- Hypertension
- Sweating
- Irritability
- Unrest
- Warm and moist skin
- Inability to tolerate heat, intolerance
- Weight loss (losing weight despite having a good appetite)
- Tiredness
- muscle weakness
- muscle cramps
- tremors in hands
- Eye symptoms (drawing in the eyelids, swelling of the eyelids, double vision and dry eyes)
How is Graves disease treated?
Graves’ disease treatment aims to regulate thyroid hormones and control overactivity of the thyroid. Graves’ disease treatment methods are as follows:
- Antithyroid medications are used to prevent overactivity of the thyroid gland.
- Radioactive iodine therapy aims to control overactivity of the thyroid gland by targeting and destroying thyroid cells. This treatment can generally be preferred in patients who do not respond to antithyroid medications or who have difficulty adapting to medication use.
- Another option in the treatment of Graves’ disease is partial or complete removal of the thyroid gland.
- Medicines called beta blockers can be used to relieve symptoms.
The choice of Graves disease treatment is determined by factors such as the patient’s general health, severity of symptoms, age, and the patient’s preferences. Graves’ disease treatment is usually managed by an endocrinologist or thyroid specialist.
Is Graves’ disease dangerous?
Graves’ disease can be dangerous if left untreated. Untreated Graves’ disease can lead to the following life-threatening complications:
- thyroid storm
- Heart disease
- osteoporosis
- eye problems
It is important for people with Graves’ disease to reduce their risk of these complications by following their treatment plan and following their doctor’s instructions.
