Graves’ 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:
- ritmo cardíaco acelerado
- Nervosismo e / ou irritabilidade
- Ansiedade
- Dificuldade em dormir
- perda de peso sem mudança na dieta
- Fraqueza muscular, especialmente na parte superior dos braços e coxas
- aumento da transpiração
- evacuações freqüentes
- períodos menstruais mais leves ou menos frequentes
- Mãos trêmulas
- Afinamento da pele
Symptoms of Graves’ ophthalmopathy include:
- olhos vermelhos ou inflamados
- Inchaço dos tecidos ao redor dos olhos
- Olhos esbugalhados
- 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).
