Doctor Gott: Double vision linked to Graves' disease
-->Q) Is Graves' disease curable? I have hyperthyroidism and double vision I'm told it is from the disease. What can I do?
A) Graves' disease is not curable, but it's completely treatable. This type of hyperthyroidism occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, causing it to produce an excess of a hormone known as thyroxine.
The immune system cannot be prevented from attacking the thyroid gland, but fortunately there are several treatments available to lower the production of thyroxine and ease the symptoms.
Signs of the disorder may include a goiter (enlarged thyroid gland), hand or finger tremor, irregular heartbeats, difficulty sleeping, anxiety and weight loss.
The eyes may show signs of Graves' ophthalmopathy, which most notably causes them to protrude beyond their protective orbits. The lids swell, the eyes might become red and, infrequently, double or blurred vision may be present.
Other serious complications from Graves' involve the heart and include congestive heart failure (CHF) and atrial fibrillation. CHF occurs when the heart is incapable of circulating sufficient blood to meet the needs of the body.
Atrial fibrillation is an abnormality of the rhythm of the heart. Then there's osteoporosis from untreated Graves' because excessive amounts of thyroid hormone leaches calcium from the bones, causing them to become brittle.
Treatment may include drugs known as beta blockers, radioactive iodine or anti-thyroid medication to prevent the thyroid from producing excessive hormones.
Control with radioactive iodine will cause the gland to shrink, symptoms will be reduced, and the gland may ultimately reverse to a state of hypothyroidism (too little thyroid hormone) and require supplemental thyroid hormones.
This treatment option may worsen any symptoms of Graves' ophthalmopathy, so this may not be an option for you.
The use of anti-thyroid medication for a year or two may lead to long-term remission of the disease; however, relapse can occur.
Make an appointment with an endocrinologist if you haven't already done so. Visit a nutritionist who can review your diet and recommend specific foods to combat any weakness or fatigue.
Plan to have laboratory testing at least on an annual basis. By taking care of your general health, you should be able to lead a long, normal life.
Readers who would like related information can order my Health Report "The Thyroid Gland" by sending a self-addressed, stamped number No. 10 envelope and a $2 U.S. check or money order to Dr. Peter Gott, PO Box 433, Lakeville, CT 060349-0433. Be sure to mention the title when writing.
Enlarged Thyroid Gland - News
The immune system cannot be prevented from attacking the thyroid gland, but fortunately there are several treatments available to lower the production of thyroxine and ease the symptoms. Signs of the disorder may include a goiter (enlarged thyroid
Other classic signs of Graves' disease include an enlarged thyroid gland, or goiter, and bulging eyes. Missy Elliott appears to have suffered a few of these, according to this USA Today article. Beta blockers can quell the high heart rate and
An enlarged thyroid may mean your gland is producing too much or too little hormone. The key is knowing what to watch for. Perform this simple self-check once every two months. 1 Hold a mirror in front of you and focus your gaze on the lower front area
The thyroid is a small gland made up of two halves that lie along the windpipe just below the voicebox. When the thyroid can't produce enough hormone to meet the body's needs, the gland compensates by enlarging. Iodine, a chemical element,
Typical symptoms of Graves' disease and hyperthyroidism include weight loss, high heart rate, anxiety, insomnia, muscle weakness, and goiter (enlarged thyroid gland). (Take a quiz: Could You Be Hyperthyroid? to find out more about risk factors and
enlarged thyroid gland.? | Goiter Info Blog
Caused by food allergies, excess stress, environmental toxins, insufficient exercise, B vitamin deficiencies, lack of iron, lack of digestive enzymes, liver disease, hormone imbalances, and/or parasites. All of these factors need to be screened for and addressed before lasting relief can be achieved.
Diet: Eat an organic, whole foods diet, emphasizing foods that are naturally high in iodine such as fish, kelp, vegetables, and root vegetables (such as potatoes). Also, increase your daily consumption of foods rich in vitamin B complex, such as whole grains and raw nuts and seeds, and foods rich in vitamin A, such as dark green and yellow vegetables. But avoid foods that slow down production of thyroid hormone, such as cabbage, Brussels sprouts, mustard greens, broccoli, turnips, kale, spinach, peaches, and pears.
Be sure your drinking plenty of filered water a day as well (I drink a gallon).
Best of health to you . it has been enlarged since i was 20 or 21. i am 27 now. they always did thyroid testing and the results came back normal. i don’t show any signs of hypo/hyperthyroidism. what could be causing the enlarged thyroid? i don’t feel pain in that area at all. i am getting an ultrasound done next month because the doctor thought it would be a good idea just to get it checked out. it isn’t anything serious like cancer right? what could be causing this?
Enlarged Thyroid Gland - Bookshelf
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