By investigating your health conditions more closely and learning more about the possible connections between your symptoms, you can access the ideal treatment plan for ensuring your future optimal health. Our team at Freeman Endocrinology wants to support you in this effort, and in this latest post we’re providing a full overview on Graves’ disease.
What is Graves’ Disease?
Graves’ disease is a type of auto-immune condition which causes the thyroid gland to produce too much thyroid hormone. It’s the reason that Graves’ disease is one of the leading underlying causes of hyperthyroidism.
What are the Risk Factors Associated with Graves’ Disease?
As with most conditions, there are specific factors that lead to the development of the health issue, the majority of which are not under your control. The risk factors associated with Graves’ Disease include:
- Stress
Graves’ disease has been linked with high stress levels in several studies. The data shows that mitigating stress can reduce the symptoms associated with the disease.
- Gender
The data shows that women are more likely to develop Graves’ disease than men, particularly pregnant women whose hormone levels are in flux.
- Genetics
Those with a family history of Graves’ disease are more likely to develop the condition as they age.
What are the Symptoms of Graves’ Disease?
One of the more difficult elements of diagnosing Graves’ disease is that some of the earlier symptoms are also readily associated with other health issues. This can mean that it is often misdiagnosed in its earlier stages, leading to more health issues as the disease continues to progress. Some of the more common symptoms of Graves’ disease include:
- Chest pain, palpitations
- Weight loss
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty sleeping
- Prominent bulging eyes
- Vision problems
While you might experience one or more of these symptoms, it’s important that you have the issue diagnosed by a specialist before moving forward with the treatment process. A specialist can perform the special testing of your endocrine system that is required, interpret the results, and then create a custom treatment plan to help manage and resolve the disease.
Freeman Endocrinology
It’s important that you speak with a specialist if you recognize the signs of Graves’ disease in your day-to-day life or in loved ones. To ask a qualified health expert about the issue, call our team now!
