What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Graves’ Disease?
The symptoms of Graves’ disease can vary from person to person, but they often include weight loss, anxiety, irritability, heat intolerance, sweating, and fatigue. In some cases, Graves’ disease can also cause eye problems such as bulging eyes or double vision. If left untreated, Graves’ disease can lead to more serious health problems such as heart attack or stroke. However, most cases can be managed with medication and/or surgery. (3)
Here are some of the common symptoms;
Weight loss
Weight loss is a common symptom of Graves’ disease. It can happen suddenly or gradually over time. Many people with Graves’ disease lose weight without trying. Some people lose so much weight that they become underweight.
There are several possible explanations for weight loss in Graves’ disease. The most common is that the thyroid gland is overactive and produces too much thyroid hormone. This hormone causes the body to burn more calories and use stored energy more quickly.
Other factors that can contribute to weight loss in Graves’ disease include: anxiety and stress, increased appetite, difficulty eating, diarrhea, and vomiting.
If you are experiencing unexplained weight loss, see your doctor for evaluation and treatment. There are many treatments available to help you manage your Graves’ disease and improve your health and well-being.
Heat intolerance
Besides unexplained weight loss, Graves ‘disease can also cause a number of other symptoms, including heat intolerance.
People with this condition often have difficulty tolerating heat. They may feel overheated and sweaty even when the room temperature is comfortable. They may also feel exhausted and have a rapid heart rate when they exercise or spend time in hot weather.
One of the main reasons why people with Graves’ disease experience heat intolerance is because their overactive thyroid gland causes them to produce more sweat than normal. This extra sweat can then lead to dehydration and an inability to regulate your body’s temperature. Additionally, people with Graves’ disease often have an increased heart rate, which can also lead to overheating.
Proptosis (bulging of eyes)
The hallmark sign of Graves’ disease is bulging eyes (proptosis). It occurs when the muscles and tissues that surround the eye become swollen. This swelling can put pressure on the optic nerve, which can lead to vision problems. In severe cases, bulging eyes can cause the eyeball to protrude from the socket.
Proptosis can also be a sign of other medical conditions, such as orbital myositis, thyroid cancer, or an aneurysm. If you are experiencing proptosis along with other symptoms of Graves’ disease, such as weight loss, excessive sweating, and a rapid heartbeat, see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Increased heart rate
One of the most common symptoms of Graves’ disease is an increased heart rate (tachycardia). This can cause shortness of breath, chest pain, and dizziness. The increased heart rate can also lead to other health problems, such as heart failure and stroke.
Overproduction of thyroid hormones and their effect on the heart is said to be the main factor that causes increased heart rate. The exact cause for this increased heart rate isn’t entirely clear, but it can also be due to the effects of the thyroid hormones on the nervous system. Some people with Graves’ disease also have an abnormal heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation, which can also contribute to the increased heart rate.
Excessive sweating
The over activity of the thyroid gland in Graves ‘disease leads to sweating, among other symptoms. The cause of the excessive sweating is not fully understood, but it is thought that the high levels of thyroid hormone may cause the body’s sweat glands to work overtime. Additionally, Graves’ disease can affect the autonomic nervous system, which controls many involuntary functions, such as sweating.
People with Graves’ disease often experience excessive sweating on their forehead, scalp, and armpits. The sweat may be so heavy that it results in wet clothes and skin.
Anxiety
Graves disease can cause anxiety for several reasons. First, an overactive thyroid can lead to heart palpitations and chest pain. This can be very frightening and cause a lot of anxiety. Second, Graves disease can also cause weight gain and muscle weakness. This can make you feel unattractive and helpless. Finally, Graves disease often leads to changes in mood and energy levels. You may feel moody or tired all the time, which can be very frustrating and upsetting. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor and get treatment.
Fatigue
Thyroid hormones control the body’s metabolism, and when they are overproduced, they can cause a variety of symptoms, including fatigue. Graves’ disease is estimated to affect about one million people in the United States, and it is the most common cause of fatigue in young males and females. The good news is that fatigue induced by graves’ disease can be treated with medications that suppress the overproduction of thyroid hormones.
Irritability
People with Graves disease may feel easily agitated and frustrated for no apparent reason. They may also have a shorter temper than usual and be more likely to snap at others. In some cases, this intense irritability can lead to arguments and even physical fights.
If you are experiencing increased irritability and agitation due to Graves disease, it is important to seek medical help. There are treatment options that can help control irritability caused by this condition. With proper treatment, most people with easy irritability can be treated and helped to lead a quality life.
Trouble sleeping
People with Graves’ disease often have trouble sleeping. This is because the disease causes an overactive thyroid, which can lead to problems like insomnia, restless leg syndrome, and vivid dreams. There are a few things that people with Graves’ disease can do to help improve their sleep quality.
First, it is important to create a relaxing bedtime routine and stick to it as much as possible. This might include taking a warm bath or reading a book before bed. It is also important to avoid using electronic devices in bed, as the blue light from screens can disrupt sleep.
Another thing that people with Graves’ disease can do is try to get regular exercise. Exercise helps promote good sleep hygiene and can help relieve some of the tension that can cause problems sleeping.
Frequent bowel movements
Frequent bowel movements can be caused by the increased production of thyroid hormones, which speeds up the movement of food through the intestines. In addition, Graves’ disease can also cause diarrhea, which leads to even more frequent bowel movements.
People with Graves’ disease often need to go to the bathroom more often than usual and may have urgent urges to defecate. They may also experience constipation or bloating.
If you are experiencing frequent bowel movements and think you may have Graves’ disease, see your doctor for a diagnosis. Treatment for Graves’ disease typically involves taking medication to suppress the overactive thyroid gland.