Your physician will ask for a medical history at the beginning of the diagnostic process. He will feel for an enlarged thyroid gland, a fast pulse, and weakened limb muscles. If he suspects Graves’ disease, he can check for your thyroid hormone levels in your blood. A test called a radioactive iodine scan can shed more light on the thyroid gland.Treatment of Graves’ disease focuses on controlling your hormone levels and symptoms. There is no way to stop the production of antibodies that cause hyperthyroidism and Graves’ disease.
Propylthiouracil (PTU) and methimazole are two drugs commonly used to treat Graves’ disease. You will start out taking the medication 3 or 4 times a day and eventually decrease the amount your body needs. After eight weeks, Graves’ disease is usually brought under control. You will need to take medication for at least a year after this. Side effects include a decrease in your white blood cells, so make sure you remain under a doctor’s care during this time.
If you have an extreme case of hyperthyroidism, your doctor may eventually recommend removal of your thyroid gland. Serious complications may arise from this procedure.
