Keeping your thyroid healthy
Graves’ disease
Your thyroid produces important hormones that regulate how your body functions. We’re here to keep it working properly, so you can feel your best.
Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of your throat that produces important hormones. These hormones travel all over your body to regulate functions including your heart rate, breathing, muscle strength, body temperature, body weight, cholesterol and your central nervous system.
Thyroid hormone levels are controlled by a feedback loop between the thyroid and two glands in your brain called the hypothalamus and the pituitary. The hypothalamus and pituitary monitor levels of thyroid hormones in the blood and tell your thyroid to make more or less of them. The two key thyroid hormones that regulate the way your body uses energy are:
- Thyroxine, also known as T4
- Triiodothyronine, known as T3
What is Graves’ disease?
Graves’ disease is a common autoimmune condition that causes hyperthyroidism, a condition that occurs when your thyroid produces too many hormones.
Graves’ disease causes the body’s immune system to mistakenly attack its own healthy thyroid gland, producing antibodies that attach to the surface of thyroid cells. These cells are stimulated and overproduce thyroid hormones.
Symptoms of Graves’ disease can include:
- Sensitivity to heat
- Heart palpitations
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Unexpected weight loss
- Shaky hands
- Bulging eyes
Risk factors for Graves’ disease
There are certain behaviors, genetics and risk factors that can increase your chances of developing Graves’ disease, including:
- Family history: If you have a family member who has been diagnosed with a thyroid condition, such as Graves’ disease or Hashimoto’s, you have a greater risk for developing Graves’ disease.
- Being female: Women are more likely to develop Graves’ disease.
- Age: The risk of developing Graves’ disease increases with age, most often affecting those age 60 and older.
- Other risk factors: Other risk factors that can increase the risk of developing Graves’ disease include:
- Pregnancy
- Previous thyroid surgery
- A low-iodine diet
- History of an autoimmune condition or conditions
Diagnosing Graves’ disease
Our endocrinology specialists are experienced in diagnosing and treating all kinds of thyroid-related conditions, including Graves’ disease.
Some of the diagnostic tests your doctor may perform to test for Graves’ disease include:
- Blood tests: Your doctor may start by ordering bloodwork to evaluate your thyroid function and help diagnose any underlying thyroid conditions. A typical thyroid panel includes measuring your levels of TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone), free T3 and T4, reverse T3 and T4, and thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO).
- Radioactive iodine uptake test: This test takes place over the course of 24 hours. On the first day, you’ll be given a pill that contains a small dose of radioactive iodine. Twenty-four hours later, you’ll take another pill. Your doctor will then measure the amount of iodine that goes into your thyroid using a special device that shows whether your thyroid is working properly.
- Thyroid ultrasound: An ultrasound takes an image of your thyroid and throat area using sound waves. Your healthcare provider will review these images to look for any concerning issues.
- Imaging tests: Diagnostic imaging tests, such MRIs, CT scans and PET scans, are used to produce detailed pictures of your thyroid gland and throat area.
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Treating Graves’ disease
You can make several lifestyle changes that your doctor may suggest to help manage your symptoms. These may include:
- Increasing sleep
- Exercise
- Change in diet
- Reducing stress
- Emotional support
Thyroid care at Geisinger
Our endocrinology team is here to provide you with compassionate care and the most advanced available. We offer:
- The knowledge you need – Your care team is powered by endocrinologists, surgeons, doctors and specialists with years of training and experience. Their expertise has been honed by treating many people with thyroid issues every year. And their focus is on delivering the care best suited to your needs.
- Care designed for you, where you live – With locations throughout northeast, central and south-central Pennsylvania, our experienced team provides consultations and comprehensive care. We offer leading-edge treatment options and tailored-to-you care, backed by the expertise and innovation of a nationally recognized health system.
- Comprehensive specialty care – Our endocrine specialists are dedicated to offering innovative treatment options and personalized care in convenient locations, so you don’t have to travel far. We’ll work with you to develop a personalized care plan based on your individual needs.
- Genetic testing and counseling programs – Special research programs such as MyCode® are only available at Geisinger. Participating in MyCode allows you to contribute to genetic research. By participating, some may receive information about their own genetic risks. Learn about MyCode.
