Graves’ Disease

COVID-19 Update:

Century is committed to keeping our patients safe. We're following the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Illinois Department of Public Health. This includes social distancing, using TeleMedicine virtual visits and scheduling patients by priority. To reduce the volume in our waiting room and the potential risk of infection, we will be migrating towards pre-screened urgent health visits or TeleHealth visits. We appreciate your understanding as we work to increase our capacity while keeping you safe.

If you are sick, have a fever, a newly presented dry cough, have travelled internationally, please do not visit the office. Instead, call us to setup a TeleMedicine visit, or contact your Primary Care Physician for further instruction. Century is not able to provide screening or testing for COVID-19.

If you present with Ansomia (loss of smell) or Ageusia (Loss of taste), Have been COVID-19 Positive within the past 4 weeks, or have been in direct contact with someone who has tested positive, please do not enter the practice. Let us know and we can recommend a Telemedicine visit.

Click here for more info on TeleVisits

IF ARRIVING AT THE OFFICE FOR A SCHEDULED VISIT:

Please continue to wear a mask or face covering. Our office does not have face masks available. e are asking that you leave family at home or in the car.

If you are able, please print the Patient Packet at the bottom of this page and complete at home.

STAFF WILL ONLY CALL BACK THE PATIENT TO BE SEEN. Front desk staff will offer the option of returning to your car after check-in to be called back via your cell phone.

We deeply appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to ensure your safety and the safety of our staff and their families.

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the front of the neck. It produces thyroid hormone, which controls your metabolism, temperature regulation, and keeps your muscles and organs working properly. Graves’ disease causes the thyroid gland to become overactive. It is an autoimmune disease in which the body fights against itself and causes the thyroid gland to become overactive. It is more common in women, but can also can occur in men.

What Are the Symptoms of Graves’ Disease?

The symptoms of Graves’ disease include:

Racing heartbeat
Anxiety
Weight loss
Tremors
Feeling warm
Difficulty sleeping
Bulging eyes
Eye redness
Double vision, or decreased vision
Thickening of the skin in front of the shins

A blood test is used to diagnose Graves’ disease. A measurement of the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is low in Graves’ disease. The levels of thyroid hormone, such as T3 and T4, are high in Graves’ disease. Measuring antibodies called TSI or TRAb also help confirm the diagnosis. Sometimes, a “radioactive iodine uptake study” is used to confirm the diagnosis of Graves’ disease.

What Causes Graves’ Disease?

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the body produces inflammation of the thyroid gland causing it to be overactive. The specific cause is unknown but may occur at higher rates in certain families.

What Are the Treatment Options?

Treatment for Graves’ disease includes daily medications, radioactive iodine, or thyroid surgery. Medications can be used for several months to try and control (but not cure) the hyperthyroidism. If the medications do not control the disease, surgery or radioactive iodine may be necessary. Radioactive iodine and surgery are used to manage the disease, but can cause the thyroid to be underactive and you must then take medication to replace the thyroid hormone.

Therapy depends on the presence of eye symptoms, the presence and size of thyroid nodules, and your preferences. Surgery is generally considered if the thyroid also has nodules, the gland is very large, the patient has eye disease (which may worsen if radioactive iodine is given), or if the patient wants to avoid radioactive iodine.

What Questions Should I Ask My Doctor?

Do I have thyroid nodules or a goiter? What’s the difference, and how does that affect treatment?
Do you have expertise in thyroid surgery? Can you tell me about your training?
How effective are medications and what are the risks?