Common Graves Disease Symptoms

Graves disease symptoms occur when the thyroid gland overproduces thyroxine, a hormone, in response to attacks from the immune system. Graves Disease is the most common type of hyperthyroidism, although the exact cause of the disease is unknown.

Graves Symptoms
These are some of the most common symptoms associated with Graves Disease:

• Anxiety, caused by an increase in metabolism
• Irritability for no apparent reason
• Fatigue, caused by the body overexerting
• A faster than usual heartbeat, or irregularities in heart rhythm
• Slight tremors in the hands or fingers
• Intolerance to heat and excess perspiration
• Weight loss, caused by fast burning of calories
• Brittle hair or hair loss; thinning in the eyebrows is often an early sign of thyroid problems
• Enlargement of the thyroid gland
• Changes in the menstrual cycle.
• An increase in the frequency of bowel movements
• Bulging or protruding eyeballs, called Graves Opthalmopathy. The overactive thyroid causes swelling in the muscles and tissues that hold the eyeball, making the eyeballs move forward and bulge. This can cause the eyes to become dry and feel like they have grit in them. They may be red and uncomfortable.

What Should You Do?
If you experience any of the symptoms of Graves Disease, schedule an appointment with your doctor. A simple blood test can determine whether or not your thyroid is producing excess hormones.

There is no cure for Graves Disease, but early diagnosis and treatment can effectively manage symptoms. Left untreated, Graves Disease can damage eyesight or lead to life-threatening complications. In most cases, prescription medications can be used to regulate the amount of hormones produced by the thyroid, eliminating symptoms.