BASEDOWS DISEASE

SYMPTOMS

The most common symptoms of Basedow’s disease include the following:

• Tremor or shaking of fingers and hands
• Weight loss
• Irregularities in menstrual cycles
• Heat sensitivity
• Reduce libido or erectile dysfunction
• Fatigue
• Sleep disturbance
• Irritability and anxiety
• Thyroid gland enlargement
• Frequent bowel movements
• Red, thick skin mainly on the top of the feet
• Palpitations or irregular heartbeats
• Bulging eyes

Furthermore, some medical diseases cause symptoms and signs connected with Basedow’s disease. Visit your health care provider if you are experiencing symptoms or problems associated with this condition to get an accurate and right diagnosis. Also, seek immediate medical help if you have heart-related symptoms or develop loss of sight. 

DIAGNOSIS

To diagnose Basedow’s disease, your healthcare provider may conduct a physical examination and ask about your medical history and symptoms. Also, your doctor may talk about your family history. Afterward, he/she may request some tests, including:

• Blood tests to find out your TSH levels

• Radioactive iodine uptake to know the range of your thyroid gland’s iodine absorption
• Imaging tests and ultrasound to see if your thyroid gland is enlarged or not (This option is helpful for pregnant women)

TREATMENT

The treatment for Basedow’s disease blocks the effect of hormones in the person’s body and stops it from producing thyroid hormones. These treatments include:

• Radioactive iodine therapy
• Anti-thyroid medications
• Beta-blockers
• Surgery 

Moreover, if you have Basedow’s disease, home remedies include having a healthier lifestyle. Hence, make your physical and mental health a priority through:

• Preventing stress;
• Exercising and eating healthy foods; and
• Avoiding foods that can trigger your condition, such as iodized salt, dairy products, seafood, and supplements or vitamins containing iodine.