Thyroid Disorders — Graves’ Disease and Hashimoto's Disease

April 22, 2021

Thyroid Disorders — Graves’ Disease and Hashimoto's Disease There are a number of thyroid disorders that can affect your quality of life. These include:

Graves’ disease
Hashimoto’s disease

Graves’ Disease

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism. Essentially, your immune system attacks your thyroid gland, causing hyperthyroidism (your thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone). It’s the most common cause of hyperthyroidism in the United States and affects about 1 in 200 people. There are many symptoms of Graves’ disease, including:

Anxiety and irritability
A tremor of the hands or fingers
Heat sensitivity and an increase in perspiration or warm, moist skin
Weight loss, despite normal eating habits
Enlargement of the thyroid gland (goiter)
Change in menstrual cycles
Erectile dysfunction or reduced libido
Frequent bowel movements
Bulging eyes (Graves' ophthalmopathy)
Fatigue
Thick, red skin usually on the shins or tops of the feet (Graves' dermopathy)
Rapid or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
Sleep disturbance (insomnia)

There are many possible causes of Graves’ disease, including your age, your sex, a family history of the disease, or even stress. Pregnancy and smoking can also cause Graves’ disease.

Hashimoto’s Disease

Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes hypothyroidism, where your thyroid doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone. Some of the symptoms of Hashitmoto’s disease include:

fatigue
weight gain
trouble tolerating cold
joint and muscle pain
constipation
dry, thinning hair
heavy or irregular menstrual periods
problems becoming pregnant
depression
memory problems
a slowed heart rate
pale, dry skin
muscle aches, tenderness, stiffness, and weakness

Hashimoto’s disease may be treatable through hormone replacement therapy. The causes of Hashtimoto’s disease are not clear, but it’s likely that there’s a genetic component that is set off by something, like a virus. Risk factors include:

Sex
Age
Heredity
Rheumatoid arthritis
Type 1 diabetes
Lupus
Radiation exposure

Hashimoto’s disease can lead to serious complications if left untreated, including heart problems, mental health issues, and even Myxedema, which is a serious lethargy that’s followed by unconsciousness, requiring immediate medical attention.

Learn More About What Hormone Replacement Therapy Can Do for You

Hormone replacement therapy may help you deal with some thyroid disorders. Contact us today to learn more.

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