Graves' disease (overproduction of thyroid hormone)

Description An autoimmune disor...

Description

An autoimmune disorder that causes the thyroid gland to produce too much thyroid hormone (thyroxine). Over production of thyroxine is called hyperthyroidism and Graves' disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. Graves' disease occurs when the body produces antibodies that attack the thyroid gland causing it to enlarge (goiter) and overproduce the thyroid hormone. The disorder is more common in women. The majority of the symptoms experienced are the result of the hyperthyroidism. Graves' disease also causes swelling of the eye muscles and the characteristic protruding of the eyes.

Symptoms

Anxiety, breast enlargement in men, difficulty concentrating, double vision, protrusion of the eyes, eye irritation and tearing, fatigue, frequent bowel movements, goiter, heat intolerance, increased appetite, increased sweating, insomnia, menstrual irregularities in women, muscle weakness, nervousness, racing heart. A thyroid storm may also occur which causes sudden intensification of symptoms. Thyroid storm occurs when your thyroid gland suddenly releases large amounts of thyroid hormone in a short period of time.

Tests

Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment

Workup:
A history and physical will be done. Blood tests will be done to make the diagnosis.

Other Specific Tests: TSH, T3, free T4, radioactive iodine uptake

Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Rheumatology, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT), Pediatric Rheumatology

Treatment

There is no cure for Graves' disease but there are treatments that reduce the amount of thyroid hormone (thyroxine), and block its actions. Medications include: beta-blockers to reduce the symptoms of racing heart, sweating and anxiety, and antithyroid medications (propylthiouracil/PTU, methimazole/Tapazole) to reduce the amount of thyroxine. Definitive treatment involves either destruction of the overactive thyroid with radioactive iodine or surgical removal of the thyroid gland. If you are experiencing a thyroid storm, you will need emergency medical treatment.