Have you ever wondered what it would be like to one day wake up in the body of someone else? Nothing seems right; you find yourself wondering who is this person and where is the real me? That is what people with Graves’ disease go through nearly every day.
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disease that was discovered by Robert Graves in 1835. Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks the thyroid gland and causes hyperthyroidism. Graves’ disease occurs when the antibodies like thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin and thyrotropin receptor antibodies (TRAbs) attack the thyroid gland as if it were a foreign object or a virus of some sort. This disease is the most common type of hyperthyroidism. Attacking the thyroid gland in such a manner makes it excessively overproduce the hormone thyroxine which controls the body’s metabolic rate. Heightened activity of the thyroid can increase the body’s metabolism by 60% to 100%. (Weeks 34-35).
Graves’ disease is a thyroid disorder with an unknown cause, although there is an increased risk for those developing it if other family members have it. It is eight times more common in women than in men. It usually occurs in those who are over the age of 20, though children are sometimes affected. Graves’ disease affects more than 3 million people and there are approximately 60,000 new cases of Graves’ disease in the US each year. It accounts for 60% of hyperthyroidism cases. Graves’ disease has many possible symptoms which include fatigue, tremors, double vision, insomnia, anxiety, muscle weakness, unstable weight, nervousness or irritability, restlessness, anxiety, increased sweating, brittle hair and nails, heat intolerance, rapid and irregular heartbeat, freque...
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...h the multidimensional challenges associated with Graves’ disease. However, empowerment and supporting the patient’s self-efficacy to diminish feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and cultivate new habits and/or attitudes will ameliorate coping capacity. An encouraging, supportive environment that will capitalize on success and self-esteem with informal support will heighten positive functioning.
Works Cited
Ghandour, Abdulraouf, and Carin Reust. "Hyperthyroidism: A Stepwise Approach To
Management." Journal Of Family Practice 60.7 (2011): 388-395.
Ginsberg, Jody. "Diagnosis And Management Of Graves' Disease." CMAJ: Canadian Medical
Association Journal 168.5 (2003): 575-585.
Holcomb, Susan Simmons. "Detecting Thyroid Disease, Part 1." Nursing 33.8 (2003): 32cc1-
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Weeks, Bridget H. "Grave's Disease." Nurse Practitioner 30.11 (2005): 34-45.
Hyperthyroidism develops when the thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone thyroxine. (“Hyperthyroidism”, n.d.). The main cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’s disease. According to Porth 2011, “Graves disease is a state of hyperthyroidism, goiter, opthalmopathy or less common dermopathy… Graves disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by abnormal stimulation of the thyroid gland by thyroid-stimulating antibodies.” (p.789). Some more causes include multi nodular goiter, adenoma of the thyroid and thyroiditis. (Porth, 2011, p.788). Some common symptoms of hyperthyroidism are tachycardia, sweating, increased sensitivity to heat, fatigue, and muscle weakness and enlarged thyroid gland.
In conclusion, the body is a complex structure that is controlled largely by the hypothalamus. In these various functions, the hormones and the anterior pituitary carry out specific roles in order for the body to maintain homeostasis, however; if one part of these functions get out of control the body will then develop various diseases or abnormalities such as Graves disease.
Being diagnosed with a chronic illness is a life-altering event. During this time, life is not only difficult for the patient, but also for their loved ones. Families must learn to cope together and to work out the best options for the patient and the rest of the family. Although it may not be fair at times, things may need to be centered on or around the patient no matter what the circumstance. (Abbott, 2003) Sacrifices may have to be made during difficult times. Many factors are involved when dealing with chronic illnesses. Coping with chronic illnesses alter many different emotions for the patients and the loved ones. Many changes occur that are very different and difficult to get used to. (Abbott, 2003) It is not easy for someone to sympathize with you when they haven’t been in the situation themselves. No matter how many books they read or people they talk to, they cannot come close to understanding.
Hypothyroidism is a chronic disease that is part of the endocrine system. Hypothyroidism is due low or lack of tri-iodothryonine (T3) and tetraiodothyronine (T4) thyroid hormones being produced by the thyroid gland. The lack of thyroid hormones could be due to iodine or thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) deficiency or underactive thyroid gland (Sherwood, 2012). Thyroid hormones T3 and T4 are involved in almost every part of the body. It is ten times more prevalent in female than male, which affects about 4.6% of U.S population (Lellis-Santos et al, 2011). In the most cases, the symptoms are cold intolerance, fatigue, bradycardia and weight gain. Depending on the cause on hypothyroidism, a goiter may develop, which is the enlargement of the thyroid gland. In most cases taking thyroid hormone supplement is an effective treatment.
The thyroid is the energy generator of the body. All of us experience fatigue at some time in our lives because of lack of sleep, overwork, or stress. For individuals with hypothyroidism, fatigue is a way of life. There never seems to be enough energy. But, you don’t have to feel this way. For those who suffer from hypothyroidism, there is HOPE.
The thyroid gland is found in the front of the neck and produces two main hormones. The hormones are called thuroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3). Together these hormones regulate the body’s metabolism by increasing energy use in cells, regulate growth and development, help to maintain body temperature and aid in oxygen consumption. These two hormones are regulated by hormones produced by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. The hypothalamus senses changes in body’s metabolic rate and releases a hormone known as thyropin-releasing hormone (TRH). This hormone then flows through connecting vessels to the pituitary gland which signals it to release another hormone. This hormone is known as thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH then makes its way to the bloodstream until it reaches the thyroid where it is then signaled to activate T3 and T4 production [1]. This mechanism is controlled by a negative feedback loop meaning that when there is a sufficient amount of thyroid hormones in the blood stream, this will signal back to stop production of thyroid stimulating hormones. Complications occur when the thyroid hormones keep increasing even though there is already a sufficient amount of T3 and T4 in the blood stream. This process of over expression of thryroid hormones is known as hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is a general term that includes any disease that has a consequence of an overabundance of thyroid hormones. Hyperthyroidism is a general term but there are many variant diseases that are in the hyperthyroidism category. These diseases include diffuse toxic goiter, Basedow’s disease, thyrotoxicosis, Parry’s and Graves’ disease.
Some of the biggest obstacles patients with a life-altering illness deal with are: (1) The stigma of the disease (2) Lack of adequate family support (3) The impact of the disease on themselves and their family (4) Lack of adequate resources (Rober...
Today in America thyroid disease is becoming a much larger issue and the worse part of this problem is that many people are not yet diagnosed. This is due to the lack of education and awareness about thyroid disease. There are many different types of diseases but the one that I am passionate about is hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid is when the thyroid is no longer able to produce triiodothyronine, also known as T3 and thyroxine, also referred to as T4. Some of the symptoms include unexpected weight gain, tiredness, depression, or slow movements and thoughts. Most of the time many people notice the way that their bodies act on what they are feeling to their physicians. Many Americans struggle with this disease that
Women have 10 times the risk of hypothyroidism as men” (New York Times Health Guide Pg. 1/2). The disease often develops in young women or in women between the ages of 30 and 50 years old (NIH Pg. 2/6). Genetic factors come into play when looking at Hashimoto’s and the people diagnosed with the disease. Thyroid disease usually skips one generation. For example, someone’s mother can not have Hashimoto’s but the person’s grandmother will. A person’s genes can affect their risk of being diagnosed with the disease. “Researchers are working to find the gene or genes involved” (Women's Health Pg. 2/6). People with autoimmune diseases such as Vitiligo, Addison’s disease, Graves’ disease, Pernicious, Lupus, Type 1 diabetes, and Rheumatoid arthritis can develop Hashimoto’s (Women's Health Pg.
Graves disease also known as toxic diffuse goiter is an autoimmune disease that attacks the thyroid gland located in the neck. This gland regulates every day functions such as mood, mental and physical energy, and weight. It does this by releasing T3 and T4. When the gland begins to make too much of these hormones it is known as hyperthyroidism. Graves disease is usually the most common cause of hyperthyroidism and can lead to many issues if not properly treated.
I am a 24 year old, female that has a history of kidney stones and hyperthyroidism. I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism that progressed into Grave’s disease in 2013. I am currently in remission and do not take any medication for it. I have never been pregnant. I was born in Romania. My younger sister, who is 17
Graves’ disease is considered an auto immune disorder. It is also a hyperthyroid disorder that leads to the over activity of the thyroid gland. Graves’ disease is a condition that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. Many people suffer from symptoms. This paper will talk about the causes of the disease, research that has been conducted and how it can be treated.
The exact cause of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is unknown, but many factors are believed to play a role. A family history of thyroid disorders is common, with the HLA-DR5 gene being one of the genes that could potentially trigger it. In addition Hashimoto's thyroiditis may be associated with CTLA-4 (Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte Associated-4) gene polymorphisms that result in lower functioning of the gene's products, which are associated with special regulation of T-lymphocyte activity. Downregulatory gene polymorphisms affecting CTLA4 are also associated with autoimmune pathology seen in the development of Type I diabetes. The strong genetic component suggesting this theory was first recognized in studies on monozygotic twins, with a concordance of 38-55%, with an even higher concordance of circulating thyroid antibodies not in relation to clinical presentation (up to 80% in monozygotic twins). Neither result was seen to a similar degree in dizygotic twins, so it offers a strong favor for high genetic aetiology.
Among these disorders are hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism is a disorder in which one is diagnosed for having and underactive thyroid. The probability for women over the age of sixty to develop an underactive thyroid is higher than those of other individuals. If left untreated it can potentially lead to obesity, joint pain, heart disease, and other health complications. On the contrary, hyperthyroidism is a disorder in which a person is diagnosed for having an overactive thyroid. This can cause nervousness and anxiety, hyperactivity, unexplained weight loss, and swelling of the thyroid gland which causes a noticeable lump to form on throat (known as a
Thyroid disease affects millions of individuals around the world, which is alarming. In fact, my mother’s family has a history of thyroid disease, nodules, and goiters. Similarly, both male and particularly female relatives of my family have been diagnosed with thyroid disease at various ages. Even though several members have the same type of thyroid disease, each suffers from different symptoms. Additionally, my family is known to have numerous nodules and large goiters, but no one has been diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Furthermore, my father was adopted and having no prior knowledge of his family’s medical history makes me speculate whether thyroid disease could run on his side of the family. Consequently, researching thyroid disorders