This article reviews the common and rare symptoms of Graves’ disease, as well as complications that may arise.
Frequent Symptoms
Most of the signs and symptoms of Graves’ disease are due to an overactive thyroid. They usually develop gradually over a period of weeks or months.
Some of the most common symptoms are:
Racing heartbeat Trembling hands Weakness in the muscles, especially of the hips and shoulders Difficulty sleeping Overheating and increased sweating Irritability Memory problems Anxiety or depression Eye issues, like inflamed, dry, or bulging eyes (Graves’ ophthalmopathy) Goiter (enlarged thyroid gland that may cause swelling in the neck) Unexplained weight loss
Rare Symptoms
Less common symptoms of Graves’ disease include:
Graves’ dermopathy (red, usually painless lumps typically on the shins) Hair loss Brittle nails
Some other less common symptoms that have been noted in people with Graves’ disease include:
Periodic paralysis Anemia (lack of healthy red blood cells) Vomiting Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)
Complications
Graves’ disease can lead to some serious complications if it is not treated, including:
Sluggishness Muscle weakness Vision changes Fertility and menstrual problems Osteoporosis (decrease in bone mass that causes weak and brittle bones) Stroke or heart failure
Contact a healthcare provider if you experience any of these complications or some of the more extreme symptoms of Graves’ disease.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
If you have symptoms of Graves’ disease, contact a healthcare provider for an examination. It’s important to get treatment for the condition to avoid further complications.
If you have Graves’ disease and your symptoms worsen, are not improving with treatment, or your vision changes, call your provider.
Summary
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder that makes your thyroid gland overactive, putting your body into overdrive. Some common symptoms are rapid heartbeat, sensitivity to heat and increased sweating, eye irritation and bulging eyes, slight tremors in the hands, and irritability. Less frequent signs include red lumps on the shins, brittle nails, hair loss, vomiting, anemia, or jaundice.
Change in level of consciousness Fever Rapid, irregular heartbeat Sudden shortness of breath
If Graves’ disease isn’t treated, it can lead to heart problems, thinning bones, and reduced fertility or menstrual changes. If you have Graves’ disease and feel like you may lose consciousness, have a very fast and irregular heartbeat, or find yourself short of breath, call 911 or go to the emergency room.
A Word From Verywell
If you are diagnosed with Graves’ disease after experiencing symptoms, know that there are effective treatments available to help. People with Graves’ disease usually respond well to treatment. Your healthcare provider can refer you to a specialist in hormonal diseases, called an endocrinologist, to aid with treatment measures.
