Graves' disease causes an overproduction of thyroxine, a hormone, by your thyroid gland. This is one of the most commonly diagnosed types of hyperthyroidism, states the Mayo Clinic. Women tend to develop Graves' disease more often than men. The thyroxine overdose, caused by an attack of your own immune system upon the thyroid, can dramatically raise your metabolic rate and affect your moods. It also can alter your appearance and affect your eyes with a sub-category of the disease called Graves' ophthalmopathy.
Medications
Medications may be used in the treatment of symptoms of the disease, but not to make your immune system stop attacking your thyroid. The Mayo Clinic states that there is no treatment for that. There are basically two groups of medications that may be used for your symptoms. The first group is known as beta blockers. They help your body block the activity of thyroxine. Beta blockers prescribed for Graves' disease may include Corgard (generic: nadolol), Lopressor (generic: metoprolol), Tenormin (generic: atenolol) and Inderal (generic: propranolol). The other type of medications used are called anti-thyroid drugs. These medicines lower the hormonal level produced by your thyroid. These medications include Tapazole (generic: methimazole) and the generic propylthiouracil.
Radioactive Iodine Therapy
Radioactive iodine serves to replace the normal iodine in your body that your thyroid takes to make hormones. When you receive this kind of treatment, the radiation in the iodine eliminates cells that are overactive in your thyroid. The downside of this type of treatment, the Mayo Clinic relates, is that you most likely will need treatment with thyroxine later to maintain normal levels of it. Radioactive iodine may be used in addition to medications. It does raise the risk of getting Graves' ophthalmopathy, a condition that causes problems in your eyes.
Surgery
The surgery to remove the thyroid gland from your throat is called a thyroidectomy. Patients who undergo surgery also will likely need treatment with thyroxine afterward. This option typically is a last resort, particularly if you do not respond to beta blockers or anti-thyroid medications.
Graves' Ophthalmopathy Treatment
This is an associated condition with Graves' disease; it is characterized by protruding eyes. There are a number of treatments for this concurrent disease. For example, corticosteroid medications can help reduce swelling that occurs behind the eyes. There also are two types of surgery for the condition. The first takes out a bone between the sinuses and eye socket, allowing your eyes to return to their normal spots. The second is a cutting and repairing of your eye muscles. Your doctor also may recommend orbital radiotherapy, which is a form of radiation known commonly as x-rays to eliminate tissue that is behind the eyes.
