Diffuse Thyrotoxic Goiter

Managing Your Thyrotoxic Goiter

About

Diffuse thyrotoxic goiter, also known as Graves’ disease, is an autoimmune disorder which causes the thyroid gland to create excess thyroid hormones in your body.

Women are affected with hyperthyroidism 10 times more often than men. [1]

-Requires medical diagnosis
-Can be medically treated
-Requires lab tests or imaging
-Chronic, can last for years or lifetime.

In Graves disease, the thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins are created by your immune system. These antibodies get attached to the healthy thyroid cells and cause your thyroid gland to develop excess thyroid hormone.

Symptoms:

The following symptoms are generally visible:

- Hand tremors
- Weight loss
- Rapid heart rate
- Intolerance to heat
- Fatigue
- Nervousness
- Irritability
- Muscle weakness
- Goiter(swelling of the thyroid gland)
- Diarrhea and increased frequency of bowel movement
- Difficulty sleeping

Some people may experience symptoms associated with Graves’ Dermopathy and Graves’ Ophthalmopathy.

Treatment:

One of the following methods may be used:

- Antithyroid drugs: Antithyroid drugs such as propylthiouracil or methimazole are generally prescribed. Beta-blockers may also be used to help reduce the effects of your symptoms.

- Radioiodine therapy: It involves taking a dosage of radioactive iodine-131 in pill form.

- Thyroid Surgery: In sporadic cases, surgical options are used. The surgery involves the removal of the entire thyroid gland to prevent hyperthyroidism from reoccurring. The thyroid hormone replacement therapy is used if a person opts for the surgery.

Specialists: Thyrotoxic goiter is an autoimmune disease whose symptoms can be effectively managed. The advantages and the risks associated with every treatment option should be understood with the help of your doctor before proceeding for any line of treatment. Feel free to contact our doctors at mfine for professional advice in all areas of healthcare and overall well being.