Graves’ disease is a thyroid disease characterized by an excess of hormones from this gland in the body, causing hyperthyroidism. It is an autoimmune disease, which means that the body’s own antibodies eventually attack the thyroid and alter its functioning.
This disease is the leading cause of hyperthyroidism, and affects more women than men, mainly between the ages of 20 and 50, although it can occur at any age.
- Graves’ disease is treated and can be controlled well by the use of medications.
- Radioactive iodine therapies.
- Or thyroid surgery.
- In general.
- It is not said that there is a cure for Graves’ disease.
- However.
- It is possible that the disease will go into remission.
- Remaining “drowsy” for many years or for life.
Symptoms in Graves’ disease depend on the severity and duration of the disease, as well as the patient’s age and sensitivity to excess hormones, usually appearing:
In the elderly, signs and symptoms may be more subtle and can manifest in excessive fatigue and weight loss, which can be mistaken for other diseases.
Although Graves’ disease is the leading cause of hyperthyroidism, it’s important to know that overproduction of thyroid hormones can be caused by other problems, so see how to identify symptoms of hyperthyroidism and their main causes.
Diagnosis of Graves’ disease is made by evaluating the symptoms presented, blood tests to measure the amount of thyroid hormones, such as TSH and T4, and immunological tests, to see if there are antibodies in the blood against the thyroid.
In addition, your doctor may order tests such as thyroid scans, CT scans, or magnetic resonance imaging, including to evaluate the functioning of other organs, such as your eyes and heart. Here’s how to prepare for thyroid scans.
The treatment of Graves’ disease is indicated by the endocrinologist, guided according to the clinical situation of each person. This can be done in three ways:
Medications that control your heart rate, such as propranolol or atenolol, may be helpful in controlling palpitations, tremors, and tachycardia.
In addition, patients with severe eye symptoms may need to use eye drops and ointments to relieve discomfort and moisturize the eyes. It is also necessary to stop smoking and wear sunglasses with side protection.
Veja como a alimentação pode ajudar no vídeo a seguir
There is often no talk of curing a serious disease, but there may be spontaneous remission of the disease in some people or after a few months or years of treatment, but there is always the possibility of the disease returning.
During pregnancy, this disease should be treated with minimum doses of medication and, if possible, discontinue medication use during the last trimester, as antibody levels tend to improve at the end of pregnancy.
However, special attention to the disease is needed at this stage of life because, at high levels, thyroid hormones and medications can cross the placenta and cause toxicity to the fetus.