Graves' Disease Treatment Pembroke Pines FL

What Causes Graves’ Disease?

The thyroid gland (responsible for producing thyroid hormone) is a butterfly-shaped organ situated at the front of the neck. This hormone regulates metabolism, helps maintain optimal body temperature, and ensures proper functioning of muscles and organs. Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disease in which the body fights against itself and causes the thyroid gland to become overactive. It is more common in women but can also occur in men.

Diagnosis and Tests for Graves' Disease

Diagnosing Graves' disease typically involves a two-pronged approach: a physical examination and medical history combined with specific tests to confirm the presence and activity of the disease. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect:

Physical Examination and Medical History

• Doctor Consultation: Your doctor will discuss your symptoms in detail, including their severity and duration. They will also inquire about your family history of thyroid problems and any medications you're currently taking.
• Physical Exam: Your doctor will feel your thyroid gland for enlargement (goiter) and check for signs of bulging eyes (exophthalmos), a common symptom of Graves' disease. They may also listen for a rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) using a stethoscope.

Blood Tests

Blood tests play a crucial role in diagnosing Graves' disease. Here are the key tests:

• Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Test: This test measures the level of TSH, a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that regulates the thyroid. In Graves' disease, the thyroid gland overproduces hormones, suppressing TSH production, leading to abnormally low TSH levels.
• Free Thyroxine (FT4) and Triiodothyronine (T3) Levels: These tests measure the levels of the main thyroid hormones, FT4 and T3. In Graves' disease, these hormone levels are typically elevated due to the overproduction by the thyroid gland.
• Thyroid-Stimulating Immunoglobulin (TSI) Test: This test detects the presence of TSI antibodies, the hallmark of Graves' disease. These antibodies mistakenly stimulate the thyroid gland to produce excessive hormones.

Imaging Tests

Imaging tests may be used in certain situations:

• Radioactive Iodine Uptake Test (RAIU): This test measures the amount of radioactive iodine absorbed by your thyroid gland. Graves' disease causes the thyroid to absorb more iodine than normal, helping confirm the diagnosis. However, this test may not be suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
• Thyroid Scan: Often performed alongside the RAIU test, a thyroid scan provides a visual image of the iodine uptake pattern within the thyroid gland. In Graves' disease, the uptake is typically uniform throughout the gland.
• Thyroid Ultrasound: This painless test uses sound waves to create images of your thyroid gland. While not diagnostic for Graves' disease itself, it can reveal the size and structure of your thyroid and identify any nodules that might be present.

Graves’ Disease Treatment Options

There are three main ways to treat Graves’ Disease: taking daily medications, having radioactive iodine therapy, or undergoing thyroid surgery. Medications can help control the condition for some time, but they don't cure it. If the medications don't work, surgery or radioactive iodine may be necessary. However, both of these treatments can cause the thyroid gland to become underactive, which means that you'll need to take medication to replace the hormones your thyroid would normally produce.

The choice of treatment depends on several factors, such as whether you have eye symptoms, the size of any nodules on your thyroid gland, and your personal preferences. Surgery is usually recommended if you have nodules on your thyroid gland or if your gland is very large. If you have eye disease, surgery may be preferred over radioactive iodine because the latter treatment can make eye symptoms worse. Finally, if you want to avoid radioactive iodine, surgery may be the best option for you.

Benefits of Graves' Disease Treatment

Treating Graves' disease can significantly improve your quality of life. Symptoms such as tremors, fatigue, and rapid heartbeat can be alleviated, and the risk of long-term complications, like osteoporosis or heart problems, can be reduced. In some cases, treatment can even reverse eye problems caused by Graves' disease.

By restoring your thyroid hormone levels to normal, treatment can bring you back to feeling your best. This includes increased energy levels, improved sleep, better regulation of body temperature, and a return to a healthy weight.

What Questions Should I Ask My Doctor?

1. Do I have thyroid nodules or a goiter? What’s the difference, and how does that affect treatment?
2. Do you have expertise in thyroid surgery? Can you tell me about your training?
3. How effective are medications and what are the risks?

Copyright 2021. American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. Last reviewed April 2020.

Graves’ Disease Treatment FAQs

What factors influence Graves’ Disease Treatment choice?

Your doctor will consider several factors when recommending treatment, including:

• The severity of your symptoms
• Age and overall health
• Presence of eye problems
• Size and condition of your thyroid gland
• Pregnancy status (some medications are not suitable during pregnancy)
• Your preferences for the treatment approach

What are the benefits of each Grave’s Disease Treatment option?

• Anti-Thyroid Medications: Offer a non-invasive approach and may lead to remission in some cases.
• Radioactive Iodine: Highly effective and typically requires only one treatment.
• Thyroid Surgery: Provides a definitive cure but carries some surgical risks.

What are the potential side effects of each Grave’s Disease Treatment option?

• Anti-Thyroid Medications: May cause side effects like fatigue, rash, or liver problems.
• Radioactive Iodine: Can lead to hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), requiring lifelong hormone replacement therapy. There's also a small risk of damage to salivary glands.
• Thyroid Surgery: Carries surgical risks like bleeding, infection, or damage to nearby nerves. Hypothyroidism is also a potential complication.

What happens after Graves’ Disease Treatment?

Following treatment, you will need regular monitoring with your doctor to ensure your thyroid hormone levels are within the normal range. Depending on the treatment you receive, you may need to take medication to replace thyroid hormones.

I'm worried about the side effects. Can I avoid Graves’ Disease Treatment?

Untreated Graves' disease can lead to serious health complications, so treatment is generally recommended. However, discuss your concerns with your doctor. They can help you understand the risks and benefits of each graves' disease treatment option and develop a plan that is right for you.