Hyperactive Thyroid & Graves Disease

Hyperactive thyroid is a serious condition that can cause everything from anxiety to muscle wasting and heart problems if left untreated. Graves' disease is one cause of hyperthyroidism.

The Facts

• Graves' disease is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. In response, the thyroid becomes hyperactive and produces excess thyroid hormone.

Symptoms

• Anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, change in hair texture, heat sensitivity, tremors, rapid heartbeat and weight loss are all symptoms of Graves' disease. Development of a goiter, which is a visibly swollen thyroid, and Graves' ophthalmology, or a protrusion of the eyes, are also possible.

Causes

• Doctors are unsure of what causes Graves' disease, but autoimmune conditions often run in families.

Treatment

• Thyroid-suppressing medication, radioactive iodine therapy and, in extreme cases, surgical removal of the thyroid gland are all treatments for hyperactive thyroids. It can take some trial and error for your doctor to find the right treatment for you.

Warnings

• There is no cure for Graves' disease. Medications and treatments alleviate symptoms and try to "calm" the thyroid. Over-treatment of Graves' disease can cause the thyroid to become underactive, so your doctor will monitor your response to treatment closely to make sure you are receiving the right amount of medication.