Graves' disease history and symptoms

Graves' disease Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Graves' disease from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Approach
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Electrocardiogram
X Ray
CT
MRI
Echocardiography or Ultrasound
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy Hyperthyroidism Ophtalmopathy Dermopathy
Surgery
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Graves' disease history and symptoms On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Graves' disease history and symptoms All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Graves' disease history and symptoms
CDC on Graves' disease history and symptoms
Graves' disease history and symptoms in the news
Blogs on Graves' disease history and symptoms
Directions to Hospitals Treating Graves' disease
Risk calculators and risk factors for Graves' disease history and symptoms

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1],Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Seyedmahdi Pahlavani, M.D. [2]

Overview

A broad spectrum of symptoms are expected in Graves' disease based on the severity of disease. The leading symptoms are palpitation, weight loss and change in bowel habits.

History and Symptoms

History

A detailed history must be taken regarding weight changes, mood changes, sleep disturbances, bowel movement, hair and skin changes and daily performance.

Symptoms

Some of the most typical symptoms of Graves' Disease are the following:

• Palpitations
• Tremor (usually fine shaking eg. hands)
• Excessive sweating
• Heat intolerance
• Increased appetite
• Unexplained weight loss despite increased appetite
• Shortness of breath
• Muscle weakness (especially in the large muscles of the arms and legs) and degeneration
• Insomnia
• Increased energy
• Fatigue
• Mental impairment, memory lapses, diminished attention span
• Decreased concentration
• Nervousness, agitation
• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Erratic behavior
• Emotional lability
• Gynecomastia
• Goiter
• Double vision
• Eye pain, irritation, or the feeling of grit or sand in the eyes
• Swelling or redness of eyes or eyelids/eyelid retraction
• Sensitivity to light
• Decrease in menstrual periods (oligomenorrhea), irregular and scant menstrual flow (amenorrhea)
• Difficulty conceiving/infertility/recurrent miscarriage
• Hair loss
• A non-pitting edema with thickening of the skin, described as "peau d'orange" or "orange peel", usually found on the lower extremities
• Smooth, velvety skin
• Increased bowel movements/diarrhea