How Do I Recognize Grave’s Disease?

The symptoms of Grave’s disease are typical of thyroid hyperactivity or hyperthyroidism. These include:

  • Increased body temperature.
  • Excessive sweating.
  • Anxiety and irritability.
  • Insomnia.
  • Elevated heart rate or even palpitations or chest pain.
  • Trembling of the hands.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Fatigue.
  • Muscular weakness.
  • Hair loss.
  • A goiter or swelling at the base of the neck owing to the abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland.
  • Increased frequency of bowel movements.
  • Irregular menstruation.
  • Pretibial myxedema, a skin condition producing patches of abnormally thickened and waxy, reddish skin on the legs. In rare instances, these patches may also be present on the trunk, hands, face, and back.
  • Thyroid acropachy occurs in less than 1% of those with Grave’s disease. It is identified by the swelling and clubbing of the fingers.
  • Bulging of the eyeballs.
  • Dryness of the eyes.
  • Increased sensitivity to light.
  • Double vision.