GRAMOraves’ disease is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system overstimulates the thyroid causing it to produce large amounts of thyroid hormones. It is hereditary and is preceded by Hyperthyroidism. About 25–40% of Graves’ disease patients show signs of a clinically relevant Graves’ ophthalmopathy (inflammation and bulging of the eyes). However, Graves’ disease accompanied by moderate to severe Graves’ ophthalmopathy, only occurs in fewer than 5% of patients.
Women under 40 years of age are especially prone to developing Graves’ disease. Smokers are more likely to have Graves’ disease and are more likely to have eye problems than non-smokers.
Consequences of Graves' Disease
This disease can go unnoticed for a long time, but you may experience some of the following symptoms:
- frecuencia cardíaca rápida
- El nerviosismo y / o irritabilidad
- Ansiedad
- Dificultad para dormir
- Pérdida de peso sin cambio en la dieta
- Debilidad muscular, especialmente en la parte superior de los brazos y los muslos.
- aumento de la sudoración
- evacuaciones frecuentes
- períodos menstruales más ligeros o menos frecuentes
- Manos temblorosas
- El adelgazamiento de la piel
Symptoms of Graves’ ophthalmopathy include:
- Los ojos rojos o inflamados
- Hinchazón de los tejidos alrededor de los ojos
- Ojos saltones
- Very rarely, diminished or double vision
Source: Thyroid Aware and American Thyroid Association.
Nota: Nitek has developed more effective treatment protocols, for graves, that increases (doubles) the chance of medications working, rather than resorting to surgery (Partial Ablation).
