Questions when changing treatment for Graves' disease

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder, a condition where the body’s immune system attacks and damages healthy cells and tissues. With Graves’ disease, the autoimmune attack occurs in the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped gland located in front of the throat.

The thyroid gland produces and releases thyroid hormone, a substance that regulates metabolism, digestion, heartrate, breathing, temperature, thinking, and many other processes in the body. These processes rely on carefully regulated amounts of thyroid hormone. If there is too much or too little, problems occur.

The autoimmune attack that occurs with Graves’ disease disrupts the normal production and release of thyroid hormone. In most cases, this causes hyperthyroidism, where the thyroid gland becomes overactive and releases too much thyroid hormone.

Treatment for Graves’ disease

There is no known cure for Graves’ disease. It is considered a lifelong condition, though many people experience remission with treatment. It should be mentioned that even when Graves’ disease is in remission, there is always a chance that it will become active again.

The goals of treating Graves’ disease can include:

• Addressing symptoms (such as medications to treat irregular heartbeat).
• Reducing and controlling the amount of thyroid hormone in the body.
• Therapies to shrink or remove an enlarged thyroid.
• Addressing complications, such as eye problems and skin problems.
• Addressing treatment side effects (such as an underactive thyroid, which can occur after radioiodine therapy or surgery).
• Maintaining overall health and quality of life while living with Graves’ disease.

Treatment for Graves’ disease can involve different medications, radioiodine therapy, and surgery. Treatment for Graves’ disease can also change over time. As a person living with this condition, it helps to be prepared to discuss new medications and other therapies with a healthcare provider.

What to ask when discussing a medication (including radioiodine therapy):

• What is the name of the medication?
• How does this medication treat Graves’ disease?
• What dosage will I be prescribed? What are the dosing instructions?
• How long will I need to take this medication?
• Can this medication affect fertility, pregnancy, or breastfeeding?
• How will we know if the medication is working?
• What side effects can this medication cause?
• Can this medication interact with other drugs? Make a list of all medications you are taking, including medications for other conditions, over-the-counter medications, and supplements.
• Will taking this medication interfere with normal activities? Are there any habits or activities I will need to limit or avoid?
• What will this medication cost? Who can I talk to if I have concerns about the cost of this medication?

What to ask when discussing surgery:

• What is the name of the procedure?
• How does this procedure treat Graves’ disease?
• Why is this procedure being recommended?
• What side effects can occur as a result of this procedure? What can be done to manage those side effects?
• Can this procedure affect fertility or pregnancy?
• What will this procedure cost?
• What healthcare provider will perform this procedure?
• What will the recovery process be like?

Remember, if you have concerns, have a question, or want an explanation about any aspect of your diagnosis or care, your healthcare provider will be your best source of information.