Question 1

what is graves disease?

Accepted Answer

Grave's Disease: Graves' disease is an immune system disorder that results in the overproduction of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism). While a number of disorders may result in hyperthyroidism, graves' disease is the most common cause. It casuses the classic look of exophthalmos (bulging eye).

Question 2

what is graves disease?

Accepted Answer

immune system quirk: This is an disorder where a persons immune system develops antibodies (like you would to a virus) but these attack the thyroid gland. This causes an overproduction of thyroid hormone to the point you develop symptoms. A variety of treatments focus on shutting down the process.

Question 3

what is graves' disease like?

Accepted Answer

Way too much coffee: Grave's is a disease in which antibodies against the thyroid stimulating receptors are formed.  The initiating event is unknown. These antibodies lock on to and continuously stimulate the receptor so the thyroid kicks out thyroid hormone without regulation producing the classic symptoms of insomnia, anxiety, wt loss, increased appetite, dysthermia, hyperdefecation, bulging eyes / stare.

Question 4

what to do about graves disease?

Accepted Answer

Get treated: Hi. Graves' disease needs to be treated. 2 real options &amp; 1 third option. If you were my patient, I'd STRONGLY recommend treating you with radioactive iodine (131-I). Alternatively, you could use one of the two anti-thyroid medications - methimazole is preferred, but propylthiouracil (PTU) works well too. Graves' is only a surgical disease in very rare pregnancies. Good luck!

Question 5

best way to treat graves disease?

Accepted Answer

Various ways: In your age group, the most common recommendation would be to take antithyroid drugs (methimazole) to control the hyperthyroidism.  After 6 months, one could see if you have gone into remission so that you could discontinue the med.  If if hasn't gone away by up to 2 yrs of treatment, we would recommend radioiodine treatment or surgery to ablate the thyroid.

Question 6

can graves disease be hereditary?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Family history of graves' disease is one known risk factor for graves'.  Age, gender, presence of other autoimmune disease, stress, smoking are other known risk factors.

Question 7

when does one get graves disease?

Accepted Answer

Graves: Graves is an autoimmune disease where you make antibodies to the thyroid that stimulate the thyroid and you become hyperthyroid.  It is more common in women then men, and tends to be in younger people, but it can be seen at any age. It tends to run in families, and can be brought on by stress,  smoking, excessive iodine, amiodorone (heart failure), g-interferon (for hepatitis), .

Question 8

how is graves' disease treated now?

Accepted Answer

Beta block + I 131: Initial treatment to control symptoms. Beta blocker sufficient for mild symptoms.  Radioactive iodine (i131) is mainstay of therapy for ablating overactive thyroid.  Some opt for medications to control hormone release but these don't work so well long term.  Surgery is option but not without significant risk such as permanent damage to nerves or loss of ability to regulate calcium.

Question 9

what is the cause of graves disease?

Accepted Answer

Autoimmune: Graves' disease is caused by an antibody mimicking the action of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) causing the gland to overproduce thyroid hormones.

Question 10

will i have graves disease for life?

Accepted Answer

Yes: But you will not always be hyperthyroid. Talk to your doctor about the effect of treatment on graves'.

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