Graves' Disease

• Graves' disease is a type of hyperthyroidism or overactive thyroid. Graves' is caused when the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, causing the thyroid gland to produce too much thyroxine. When this occurs, it affects the metabolic rate of the body, changing mood and physical appearance.
  
  

Graves' Disease Symptoms

• Common symptoms of Graves' disease include anxiety, irritability, problems sleeping, exhaustion, changes in heartbeat and tremors of the hand. There is normally an increase in perspiration, poor tolerance of heat, weight loss, brittle hair, thyroid enlargement, menstrual changes and frequent bowel movements. One of the common signs of Graves' is a change in the eyeballs as the tissues and muscles swell, giving the experience of enlarged eyes. The problems with eyes often involve tearing and the feeling of sand in the eyes, reddened eyes, swelling of the eyelids and sensitivity to light. Many also have changes in the skin, such as redness and swelling.
  
  

Diagnosis and Treatment of Graves' Disease

• The diagnosis of Graves' disease normally begins with a physical exam to see if the eyes have changed and whether or not the thyroid gland is enlarged. Because of the increase in thyroxine, a physician will also check pulse and blood pressure, as well as examine hands to determine if a tremor is present. A thyroid ultrasound may be prescribed to determine if the thyroid is enlarged. Blood tests will determine the levels of both the thyroid stimulating hormone and thyroxine. The body needs iodine to produce thyroxine. The radioactive iodine uptake test will measure how much iodine is in the thyroid gland and help to determine if there is too much thyroxine.
  
  The treatment of Graves' disease involves beta blockers, anti-thyroid medication, radioactive iodine treatment and surgery.
  
  

Hashimoto's Disease

• Hashimoto's is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the thyroid, causing inflammation and an underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism. Hashimoto's stops the thyroid gland from making enough hormones.
  
  

Hashimoto's Symptoms

• Hashimoto's disease involves a drop in thyroid hormone levels in the blood. This disease can be silent for years without causing any signs or symptoms. The symptoms often depend on the severity of the hormone imbalance. Some symptoms of Hashimoto's include fatigue, sensitivity to cold temperatures, constipation, dry skin, puffy face, hoarseness, elevated cholesterol, changes in weight, muscle and joint pain, menstrual changes and depression.
  
  

Hashimoto's Diagnosis and Treatment

• Hormone and antibody tests will help to determine the amount of hormones that are being produced by both the thyroid and pituitary glands. The antibody test involves the production of the abnormal antibodies. A blood test will determine how much thyroid peroxidase is in the blood. Peroxidase is an enzyme that is found in the thyroid gland and helps to produce hormones.
  
  Hashimoto's treatment involves thyroid replacement through hormones such as Levithroid, Levoxyl, and Synthroid. Medication restores hormone levels and helps to reverse symptoms of hypothyroidism. Hormone levels will be monitored closely to determine if it is the right dosage and medication.