Graves disease symptoms hyperthyroidism
Common Questions and Answers about Graves disease symptoms hyperthyroidism
graves-disease
hi i'm a 28 yr old woman and have suffered badly with symptoms from graves disease for 3yrs i've been on propylthiouracil for a year now as i had a severe allergic reaction to carbimazole!
my symptoms include insomnia,severe fatigue,anxiety,bouts of depression,poor concentration,memory loss,bruising easily,dizziness,nausea and graves rage and weakened immune system (sick often). the problem is that i've recently had a blood test that read normal at 5.
The symptoms of Graves Disease would be those of hyperthyroidism, such as sudden weight loss, sweating when others are comfortable to cool, diarrhea, hand tremors, heart palpitations (these can be present with hypothyroidism as well), rapid heart rate, irritability, mood swings, fatigue and many others.
2) The only reason a doctor should/would investigate Graves Disease is if you have symptoms of hyperthyroidism and/or lab results indicate increased thyroid hormone levels. If you did not have symptoms of Graves Disease (hyperthyroidism) at that time, the doctor did nothing wrong.
I was diagnosed with Graves disease 11 years ago. My endo prescribed Methimazole, which I was allergic to, so he told me he didn't want to prescribe me anything else because sometimes the allergy kills the thyroid. It apparently did, because all of a sudden I was hypo and I had to go on synthroid. Since then, I lost my health insurance and got handled by my PCP instead of the endo (cheaper).
What med are you taking?
What are the actual T3/T4 levels and are they Free T3 and Free T4 or Total T3 and Total T4? Be sure to include reference ranges with any labs posted.
Have you been tested for Graves Disease or Hashimoto's Thyroiditis? Both are autoimmune diseases that attack the thyroid. All Graves Disease is hyperthyroidism, but not all hyperthyroidism is Graves Disease.
While it's somewhat rare, it's possible to have, both, Hashimoto's and Graves Disease at the same time. It's also possible to have elevated TSI and not have Graves Disease; that's determined on a percentage basis.
Also ask why FT3 was not tested. And remind them that Hashimoto's can be characterized by periods of hyperthyroidism.
Be sure to get a copy of the report. Will definitely stay tuned.
Have you been tested for thyroid antibodies to make sure you do, in fact, have Graves disease and are not simply in a hyper phase of Hashimoto's? Both Graves and Hashimoto's are autoimmune.
While Graves is always connected with hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto's is most often connected with hypothyroidism, however it's not uncommon for one to have periods of hyperthyroidism in the beginning stages.
You should ask for thyroid antibody tests.
Anxiety and irritability
A fine tremor of the hands or fingers
Heat sensitivity and an increase in perspiration or warm, moist skin
Weight loss, despite normal eating habits
Enlargement of the thyroid gland (goiter)
Change in menstrual cycles
Erectile dysfunction or reduced libido
Frequent bowel movements
Bulging eyes (Graves' ophthalmopathy)
Fatigue
Thick, red skin usually on the shins or tops of the feet (Graves' dermopathy)
Rapid or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
Sleep disturban
t ever tested for it until they have symptoms of the resulting hypothyroidism. Slightly elevated TPOab can also be present with Graves Disease, which is another thyroid disease, and there are those, that have both Hashi's and Graves. It may also be possible, though rare, for someone with Hashimoto's or Graves not to develop hypo or hyperthyroidism.
It's likely that you have Graves' disease. However, you should have a TSI (thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin) test to confirm this. TSI is the definitive test for Graves'.
Sometimes Graves' can be managed with medication. Surgery and RAI are also options. Read all you can about Graves' and discuss which options are right for you with your doctor.
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