The thyroid gland is an important organ of the endocrine system. It is located in the front of the neck just below the voice box. This gland releases the hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which control body metabolism . Controlling metabolism is critical for regulating mood, weight, and mental and physical energy levels.
If the body makes too much thyroid hormone, the condition is called hyperthyroidism. (An underactive thyroid leads to hypothyroidism .)
Graves disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. It is caused by an abnormal immune system response that attacks the thyroid gland, and it causes too much production of thyroid hormones. Graves disease is most common in women over age 20. However, the disorder may occur at any age and may affect men as well.
The purpose of treatment is to control the overactivity of the thyroid gland. Beta-blockers such as propranolol are often used to treat symptoms of rapid heart rate, sweating, and anxiety until the hyperthyroidism is controlled. Hyperthyroidism is treated with:
Antithyroid medications
Radioactive iodine
Surgery
If you have radiation and surgery, you will need to take replacement thyroid hormones for the rest of your life, because these treatments destroy or remove the gland.
The eye problems related to Graves disease usually improve when hyperthyroidism is treated with medications, radiation, or surgery. Radioactive iodine can sometimes make eye problems worse. Eye problems are worse in people who smoke, even after the hyperthyroidism is cured.
Sometimes prednisone (a steroid medication that suppresses the immune system) is needed to reduce eye irritation and swelling.
You may need to tape your eyes closed at night to prevent drying. Sunglasses and eyedrops may reduce eye irritation. Rarely, surgery may be needed to return the eyes to their normal position.
Support Groups:
Expectations (prognosis):
Graves disease often responds well to treatment. However, thyroid surgery or radioactive iodine usually will cause hypothyroidism. Without getting the correct dose of thyroid hormone replacement, hypothyroidism can lead to:
Depression
Mental and physical sluggishness
Weight gain
Antithyroid medications can also have serious side effects.
Complications:
Complications from surgery, including:
Hoarseness from damage to the nerve leading to the voice box
Low calcium levels from damage to the parathyroid glands (located near the thyroid gland)
Scarring of the neck
Eye problems (called Graves ophthalmopathy or exophthalmos)
Thyroid crisis (thyrotoxic storm ), a severe worsening of overactive thyroid gland symptoms
Increased risk for osteoporosis
Too little thyroid hormone medications after surgery or radiation, which leads to fatigue, increased cholesterol levels, weight gain, depression, and mental and physical sluggishness
Calling your health care provider:
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of Graves disease. Also call if your eye problems or general symptoms get worse (or do not improve) with treatment.
Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you have symptoms of hyperthyroidism with:
Decrease in consciousness
Fever
Rapid, irregular heartbeat
Prevention:
References:
AACE Thyroid Task Force. American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists medical guidelines for clinical practice fo rthe evaluation and treatment of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Endocr Pract. 2002;8(6).
Davies TF, Larsen PR. Thyrotoxicosis. In: Kronenberg HM, Shlomo M, Polonsky KS, Larsen PR, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 11.
Review Date: 8/9/2008 Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Deborah Wexler, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Endocrinologist, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
