HYPERTHYROIDISM; MORE SPECIFICALLY GRAVE'S DISEASE

Grave's disease is an auto immune disease causing over activity of the thyroid gland. Grave's disease is rare, affecting only two percent of women. It primarily affects women between the ages of 20 and 40, but it can also attack infants, children and the elderly. Grave's disease can develop over time or come on suddenly.

The thyroid gland controls the rate at which the body uses energy (metabolism), through the production of thyroid hormone. A hyperactive thyroid produces more thyroid hormone than the body needs. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include; trouble sleeping, fatigue, lighter menstrual flow, difficulty getting pregnant, frequent bowel movements, weight loss without dieting, irritability, heat sensitivity, increased sweating, muscular weakness, and changes in vision, rapid heartbeat and hand tremors. Symptoms of Grave's disease include all of the above as well as; bulging eyes, swelling of the tissue around the eyes, and occasionally a reddish thickening of the skin of the shins.

There are three basic treatment options for Grave's disease. The first is a prescription medication that will decrease the amount of thyroid hormone produced by the thyroid. Through the use of these medications some patients have gone into remission (the disease is no longer active) after a few years. Radiation can be used to damage the thyroid cells causing a decrease production of thyroid hormone. However, this process can lead to hypothyroidism (a thyroid that does not produce enough hormones) and the patient must then take a thyroid hormone supplement. The last option to treat Grave's disease is surgery, removing the thyroid. A patient who has surgery must remain on thyroid hormone replacement therapy for the rest of their lives.

If you suspect you have Grave's disease seek the advice of a health care professional. She can order tests to determine if you have Grave's disease or another disorder. If left untreated Grave's disease can increase the risk of miscarriage, lead to heart problems and in extreme cases is fatal.