News & Events
Spotting Early Symptoms of Graves’ Disease to Protect Your Health
By Kimberly Dorris, Executive Director
Do you remember your first symptoms of hyperthyroidism with Graves’ disease? I do. And, like many, I ignored them.
- Sweating? I thought it was just the hot climate where I live.
- Insomnia and a racing heart? Probably stress from my fast-paced job.
- Hand tremors? Must be the extra coffee I was drinking because of the insomnia. (Kind of a Graves’ version of “There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly”).
And while I had also dropped a few pounds below my goal weight, I sure didn’t have any complaints about that! But looking back, all these symptoms were the first warnings of something bigger: Graves’ disease.
In 2007, I went for a routine physical and didn’t even mention these issues to my doctor. So I was shocked when a call from the office revealed an abnormally low TSH level. Follow-up tests confirmed the diagnosis of Graves’ disease.
Why Early Diagnosis is Critical
Unfortunately, not everyone gets the benefit of early screening. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force decided in 2015 that there isn’t enough evidence to recommend routine TSH screening for non-pregnant, asymptomatic adults. (1) This means many people, like me, might go undiagnosed until the symptoms become severe.
Common Symptoms of Graves’ Disease
Graves’ disease can present with a variety of symptoms, which may include:
- Rapid heartbeat or heart palpitations
- Unexplained weight loss with increased appetite
- Restlessness or decreased attention span
- Shortness of breath
- Muscle weakness
- Insomnia
- Heat intolerance
- Excessive sweating
- Frequent bowel movements
- Lighter menstrual periods
- Unexplained fatigue
- Unexplained anxiety and mood swings
For adults over 60, symptoms can look different: for example, loss of appetite or social withdrawal. In some patients, these symptoms might be mistaken for depression or dementia, leading to further delays in diagnosis. (2)
The Importance of Timely Treatment
Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial. Left untreated, Graves’ disease can lead to:
- Bone and muscle loss
- Cardiac complications
- Thyroid storm, a life-threatening emergency
Additionally, poorly controlled hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism can increase the risk of developing thyroid eye disease, adding another layer of complexity to your health journey.
Staying Vigilant Beyond Diagnosis
Even after your initial diagnosis, it’s essential to monitor your symptoms and keep up with regular lab tests. Don’t hesitate to contact your doctor if old symptoms of hyperthyroidism return—or if you start experiencing symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as:
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Cold intolerance
- Difficulty concentrating
- Constipation
- Heavy menstrual periods
- Dry skin or hair loss
Early action can help prevent complications and keep you on the path to wellness.
Your Health Matters: Take Control of Your Journey
Whether you’re newly diagnosed or managing your condition long-term, staying informed and proactive is key. Graves’ disease is complex, but with the right support and timely care from your medical team, you can navigate it successfully.
Sources
(1) U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Thyroid Dysfunction: Screening. Accessed at https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/thyroid-dysfunction-screening
(2) MedLine Plus. National Library of Medicine. Hyperthyroidism. Accessed at https://medlineplus.gov/hyperthyroidism.html.