The thyroid gland is essential for producing certain hormones that regulate metabolism and other bodily functions (as we’ve discussed previously on this site). There are various diseases and conditions (such as hyperthyroidism) that disrupt the thyroid’s ability to work properly. The focus of this patient education article is Graves’ disease – a disorder of the immune system that affects the thyroid. We will define the condition, talk about its symptoms, and dive into the best ways to treat Graves’ disease.

Graves’ Disease Definition & Symptoms

Graves’ disease is an immune system disorder that impacts the thyroid gland. It is a common cause of hyperthyroidism – a condition in which the thyroid overproduces hormones. We still do not fully understand why this disease occurs.

Symptoms of the disease can include any of the following:

• Anxiety
• Unexplained weight loss
• Heat sensitivity
• Swelling of the thyroid gland
• Heart palpitations
• Bulging eyes

Taken individually, these symptoms can indicate a wide range of conditions. That’s why it’s important to examine the full picture of the patient’s situation in order to narrow down a diagnosis. If you recognize several of these symptoms in yourself, it may be a good indication of Graves’ disease. If you are experiencing heart palpitations, seek immediate medical treatment.

Treating Graves’ Disease

There are a few different treatment approaches for Graves’ disease. The ultimate goal in treating the condition is to reduce the overproduction of thyroid hormones, bringing them down to manageable levels. This can sometimes be accomplished with prescription drugs that help regulate hormone production. Sometimes prescriptions meds do not work to curb the overproduction of hormones. When that happens, surgery to remove part of or the entire thyroid or treatment with radioactive iodine may be considered.

If you have been diagnosed with Graves’ disease and are considering your treatment options, make an appointment with a skilled general surgeon to see if surgery can help. Dr. Michael Koeplin has been performing thyroid surgery in Minnesota for over twenty years. He has the knowledge and experience to guide your treatment decisions.