Graves' Disease Signs and Symptoms

  • Graves Disease
    Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes the thyroid gland to become overactive. It is also known as: Autoimmune hyperthyroidism Basedow disease Exophthalmic goiter Toxic diffuse goiter
Submitted by PatientsEngage on 24 January 2016

What are the symptoms of Graves’ disease?

The early symptoms of Graves’ disease include:

  • Weight loss (despite increased appetite)
  • Anxiety, irritability, difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
  • Heat intolerance, sweating
  • Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing
  • Increased stool frequency (with or without diarrhoea)
  • Irregular menstrual periods in women
  • Goiter
  • Prominent, bulging eyes

If Graves’ disease goes untreated, physical signs and symptoms may develop:

Goiter: A goiter is an enlarged thyroid gland. As the thyroid gets bigger, the patient’s neck may begin to look full or swollen. Sometimes a goiter makes swallowing difficult, causes coughing, and may disrupt sleep.

Eye Problems: Eye disease related to Graves’ disease is called Graves’ ophthalmopathy in which one or both eyes may protrude from the eye sockets (also called the orbits). The medical term for this is exophthalmos, and it can make you appear as though you are staring. If Graves’ disease is not treated properly, then eye symptoms begin within a duration of 6 months. Eye condition resolves with proper treatment.

Skin Thickening: Some patients with Graves’ disease may develop thickening of the skin over the front of the lower leg called the tibia. The disorder causes skin lesions that are patchy and pink. Rarely are other areas of skin affected. This skin problem is called pretibial myxedema. This is resolved with treatment.

Community
Auto Immune conditions
Condition
Graves Disease

Stories

  • Thyroid and Women's Reproductive Health
    Dr Anshumala Kulkarni, Consultant Gynecological Surgeon, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital addresses questions on how thyroid hormones affect the reproductive system of women during various life stages. Thyroid hormone functions have a complex interplay with all the hormones of the reproductive system. Thyroid hormones act at the level of the pituitary gland and affect the release of stimulating hormones from the pituitary and estrogen, progesterone and testosterone hormones from…
  • Side profile of a woman with the thyroid area being highlighted in a reddish hue and text on the pic saying Managing Skin Hair and Nail Issues in Thyroid COnditions
    Managing Skin, Hair And Nail Issues In Thyroid Conditions
    Dermatologist Dr. Kruti Banodkar explains how hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism affects the skin, hair and nails of a person, the home remedies and self care strategies for the dermatological issues and when you should see a physician. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland that sits at the front of the neck. It releases hormones to help the body regulate and use energy. It regulates the rate at which calories are burned, affecting weight loss or weight gain. It can slow down or…
  • Image: A young lady in a summery white crop top, a cool drink with a straw in hand, dark glasses in the other hand
    Tips for a Healthy Summer for People with Chronic Conditions
    With increase in global warming, summers have become much hotter in recent years. Rising temperatures are seen with poor air quality, severe weather patterns and higher UV ray radiation. It becomes important to protect yourself and your family from the extreme heat, especially those who are living with a chronic condition.  Here is a look at certain diseases that are most affected by the summer heat and ways on how they can be better managed during summer. If any of your symptoms are not…
  • A stock image of a doctor examining the thyroid of a woman
    Don’t Let Thyroid Throw You off Balance
    Nearly 42 million people in India suffer from thyroid diseases. Thyroid dysfunction can play havoc with your life and normal functioning, if left uncontrolled. Dr. Manoj Chadha, Consultant Endocrinologist at Hinduja Healthcare Surgical, helps us understand the various complications of thyroid disorder and the importance of early detection and management. What are the 5 common thyroid problems and disorders? Hypothyroidism [Decreased function of thyroid gland] Hyperthyroidism [Overfunction of…
  • The Importance of Electrolyte Balance - Sodium
    This time in our Health by Numbers/Medical Tests series, Dr Shital Patel takes a look at our electrolyte levels in our blood. An electrolyte imbalance, commonly caused by loss of body fluids through prolonged vomiting, diarrhoea, sweating or high fever, can result in various health disorders, like restlessness, anxiety, kidney diseases or even cardiac arrest. An Electrolyte Panel is a blood test that measures the common minerals in the body such as sodium, calcium, chloride, magnesium,…
  • What Does High or Low Platelet Count Mean?
    This time in our health by numbers/tests series, Dr Shital Raval takes a look at our platelet count that can be determined by a routine blood test. If the platelet count is high or low from the normal range, it can provide insight into various abnormalities and blood disorders including infections and cancer. A platelet count test is conducted to check the number of platelets in the blood. This test is usually a part of the CBC or complete blood count. Here is a look at what platelet count…
  • Know About Thyroid at a Glance
    The thyroid gland is fundamental to the functioning of several organs such as kidneys, liver, brain, heart and even skin.  Dr Shital Patel explains the common types and causes of thyroid disorders. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland at the lower-front part of the neck, just below the Adam’s apple. It is an endocrine gland made up of two lobes connected by a isthmus. It is responsible for the secretion of thyroid hormones which regulates body processes such as respiration, body…
  • Graves' Disease
    What is Graves' disease? Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes the thyroid gland to become overactive. This is one kind of hyperthyroidism. An autoimmune disorder causes the body’s immune system to mistakenly attack the body’s own cells instead of protecting them from outside invaders. In Graves’ disease, the body’s immune system secretes immunoglobulins (autoantibodies) against the thyroid gland. These immunoglobulins irritate the thyroid gland and make it produce more thyroid…
  • Graves' Disease Management
    Managing Graves’ disease: The most important thing is to receive the necessary medical care. After you and your doctor have decided on a course of action, there are some things you can do that will help you cope with the condition and support your body during its healing process. Get regular exercise: Exercise in general will help you feel better and improve your muscle tone and cardiovascular system. Brittle bones can occur with Graves' disease and weight-bearing exercises help maintain bone…
  • Graves' Disease Treatment
    Treatment of Graves' Disease is aimed at controlling your overactive thyroid. Medicines called beta-blockers are often used to treat symptoms of rapid heart rate, sweating, and anxiety until the hyperthyroidism is controlled. Hyperthyroidism is treated with one or more of the following: Anti-thyroid medications Radioactive iodine Surgery If you have had radioactive iodine treatment or surgery, you will need to take replacement thyroid hormones for the rest of your life. This is because these…

Latest Stories

Booklet