Graves Disease is the most common reason for Hyperthyroidism. Autoimmune in nature, Graves Disease can be brought on by several trigger factors including stress, trauma and many environmental factors also.It is common for a patient that already has one autoimmune condition for them to develop more in the future. You will find that when a patient has Graves Disease, they will more often than not have another out of this list below also:http://www.aarda.org/research_display.php?ID=47

The clinical signs of Graves disease are that the patient has Hyperthyroidism which can be detected with blood tests including TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) FT4( Free Thyroxine) and FT3 (Free Triiodothyronine); The patient must also have a goitre which is detected on a thyroid neck examination which can be done by either a General Practitioner or an Endocrinologist. Thyroid Eye Disease must also be present. All of this is as per what Sir Robert Graves said when he first discovered this disease in the 19th Century.During the Graves Disease process the thyroid produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormone, which is known as Thyroxine. The auto-antibodies that are responsible for the over production of the Thyroxine are called the Thyroid-Stimulating Immunoglobulin’s abbreviated to TSI.

The main job of the TSI is to stimulate the thyroid into producing high amounts of Thyroxine,thus meaning that the thyroid is then Hyperactive.Symptoms for uncontrolled Graves Disease are the same as Hyperthyroidism, including; Shortness of breath; General weakness including in the limbs; Tiredness; Pretibial Myxedema; Double Vision; Infrequent or Absent Menstrual Cycle; Increased Hair Loss; Low Sex Drive. These are signs and symptoms just a few of the many.

If you suspect you have Graves Disease or Hyperthyroidism, the most important and vital thing is to get checked by either a General Practitioner or an endocrinologist, there is no point whatsoever in thinking that you might have it and never getting it checked. If you think you have any of the symptoms which I have listed, then go get yourself checked!

Otherwise............Uncontrolled Graves Disease/Hyperthyroid can lead to a life threatening condition, also known as a Thyroid Storm. A Thyroid Storm occurs when extreme amounts of Thyroxine are produced. The major difference between Hyperthyroidism/Graves Disease and a Thyroid Storm, is that during a Thyroid Storm the patient will experience a higher temperature, possibly as high as 106oF.My message is that if you have any doubts about whether or not you have Hyperthyroidism or whether in fact you may be experiencing a Thyroid Storm. Trust your gut instincts and get checked. It could save your life.

Hi

I have just noticed this hear! I am Rebecca! Really suprised that this ended up here.

Thank you for posting it.

If you have any questions, I am more than happy to add to this.

Becky

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