Graves’ is an autoimmune disorder that is responsible for an overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism. Graves’ disease causes your thyroid gland to manufacture excessive amounts of thyroid hormone, and in most patients, this causes significant symptoms.
Fortunately, there are a number of effective treatment options than can relieve your symptoms so that you feel more comfortable. Here are the most common symptoms of Graves’ disease and the most effective treatment options your endocrinologist may recommend:
Common Symptoms
If you need an endocrinologist Brooklyn hospitals have many board-certified specialists who can evaluate your symptoms. One of the most troublesome symptoms of Graves’s disease you may experience is tachycardia. Also known as a fast heart rate, tachycardia can cause chest pain, “flip-flop” sensations in your chest, shortness of breath, and anxiety.
Many people who experience tachycardia believe they have a cardiovascular disorder, and because of this, see a cardiologist. When the cardiac workup fails to reveal an organic cause for tachycardia, anemia, psychogenic, or endocrine disorders are then suspected.
In addition to tachycardia, Graves’s disease may also cause heat intolerance, which may cause excessive sweating when exposed to heat. Other common symptoms of Graves’s disease or hyperthyroidism may include diarrhea, insomnia, and exophthalmos, which causes the eyes to bulge out. In addition to bulging eyes, your upper lids may also retract.
You may also develop Parkinson’s-like tremors of the hands or fingers, and significant weight loss, even though your caloric intake remains unchanged. You may also develop a type of goiter known as a diffuse thyrotoxic goiter, which may range in size from small to very large. In some cases, a goiter in your neck may cause swallowing difficulties, and may raise your risk for choking.
Treatment Options
When seeking an endocrinologist Brooklyn physicians can help you develop an effective treatment plan for your Graves’ disease. Tremors, shaking, and anxiety are very intrusive symptoms, and because of this, your endocrinologist will quickly treat them. One of the most common and effective treatment options for these symptoms is the administration of beta blockers.
Commonly prescribed for cardiac arrhythmia and hypertension, beta blockers such as propronolol can relieve your symptoms very quickly. They can, however, cause side effects such as fatigue, exercise intolerance, elevations of blood glucose and lipid levels, dry mouth, low blood pressure, and weight gain.
Your doctor will also prescribe antithyroid medications to inhibit the production of thyroid hormone so that your symptoms improve. Because antithyroid medications may not provide you with a long-term solution, your doctor may recommend that you undergo radioactive iodine treatment to shrink your thyroid gland.
If you need the expertise of an experienced endocrinologist, contact us today to learn more about Graves’ disease treatment options.
