Graves’ disease, according to the Mayo Clinic, is caused by antibodies in the immune system that cause the thyroid to produce too much of the hormone thyroxine. This results in hyperthyroidism, a disorder for which Graves’ disease is the most common type. MedlinePlus reports that Graves’ disease is more common in young women; however, it can affect anyone of any age.
Treating the Symptoms
Many of the symptoms of Graves’ disease, which include anxiety, visual problems and irregular heartbeat, can be controlled through the long-term use of medications. These include beta blockers, anti-thyroid medications and corticosteroids. Beta blockers can control anxiety and excessive sweating, and corticosteroids can relieve many of the eye symptoms associated with Graves’ disease. Sometimes, anti-thyroid medications can send Graves’ disease into remission, allowing for temporary relief. According to the Mayo Clinic, however, Graves’ disease cannot be cured as there is no way to control the antibodies that cause it.
More Extreme Treatments
For some people, medications are not enough to control Graves' disease symptoms. In these cases, the doctor may suggest more extreme treatments such as taking radioactive iodine to shrink the thyroid over time, or having the thyroid completely removed. This procedure is called a thyroidectomy. Some people who have Graves' disease also suffer from Graves’ opthalmopathy, a condition that can cause the trademark bulging eyes. While severe cases of Graves’ opthalmopathy may require corrective radiation or surgery, MedlinePlus reports that this is fairly rare.
Risks of Treatments
Most medications carry some risks, and those that treat Graves' disease are no exception. According to the Mayo Clinic, the anti-thyroid medications often used to treat Graves' symptoms can potentially cause liver damage over time. Additionally, the radioactive iodine used to shrink the thyroid can potentially make Graves' disease opthalmopathy worse; however, the Mayo Clinic reports that this side effect is usually temporary. When the thyroid is removed or shrunk, MedlinePlus reports that the body may temporarily go into hypothyroidism until replacement hormones are properly adjusted. Until thyroid hormones are balanced, a person may experience side effects of depression, mental fatigue and weight gain.
Risks of Poorly Controlled Graves' Disease
While the potential side effects of Graves' disease treatments may be worrisome, the effects of leaving it untreated are often far worse. According to MedlinePlus, Graves' disease that is not well controlled can lead to heart rate irregularities or even heart failure. Additionally, the risk for developing osteoporosis is higher in those with an overactive thyroid. A thyroid crisis, in which the symptoms of overactive thyroid become suddenly severe, is also possible if Graves’ disease gets out of control.
Graves' Disease Prognosis
There is good news: with proper treatment, many of the symptoms of Graves' disease can be controlled very well over time. According to MedlinePlus, the outlook for someone with Graves' disease is very good, though there may be some potential for temporary hormone irregularities after certain treatments. Graves' disease is rarely fatal, provided its symptoms are kept under control.
